Smartphone-Based Software Used by the Novarum Reader Designed to Measure Any Lateral Flow Test

By AZoNano

Table of Contents

Introduction

Keeping in mind, the rapid development and growth of the mobile applications market, BBInternational is providing a new service, a smartphone-based software tool used by the Novarum Reader that can be adapted for reading of any lateral flow test and can be operated on any suitable smartphone. Setting up an independent reader system is not required. Presently all users in any location, whether it be surgery, office or field testing can obtain a consistent objective reading of any lateral flow test. The linking of the report can be done to any database of the user’s choice and a customized email report will be sent to the chosen recipients.

Features of the Smartphone-Based Software Tool

The salient features of the smartphone-based software tool are:

• Quantitative Results – Can be developed to read any lateral flow test on a smartphone Novarum reader
• Objective Assay Interpretation follows pre-set rules so that the ambiguity can be totally eliminated
• On-site answers – It is possible to obtain a precise and objective reading of any lateral flow test with GPS tracking information is needed by users at any location
• Link to any database – The report can be customized and linked to any database
• Flexible – Can run on all suitable smartphones with selected report format and customization
• Customized – Can be developed as to meet the customer’s specific requirements and choices of the customer
• Turnkey Solutions – These can be designed at the same time as the lateral flow test to meet specific requirements and interface with any particular database.
• Independent assessment of test results
• Test result quantified to meet pre-set criteria
• Consistent sensitivity as shown in Figure 1
• Date and time is acknowledged
• Online support.

The Novarum Reader uses smartphone-based software to read any lateral flow test.

Optional Features

The optional features of the smartphone-based software tool are:

• Interactive instructions for use of test and reader
• Bar code reader or QR link

GPS Location

• Bar code reader or QR link
• Customized information posts
• Message screen to convey information as appropriate to location, facility, result or operator
• Interface to any third party database system
• Customized database systems available
• Customization of the smartphone reader for individual distributors or users
• Support customized to the users’ needs

Comparison of Sensitivity with a Lab Reader

Figure 1. Comparison of sensitivity in Smartphone-Based Software with a Lab Reader.

Key Benefits

The key benefits of the smartphone-based software tool are:

• Provides quantification of lateral flow test results
• Low cost reader that can be used anywhere whether in the field, lab, surgery, or on site
• Offers independent and objective assessment of readings
• Borderline results assessed according to predetermined expert criteria - no more user errors
• Enhanced limits of detection
• Traceability
• Data tracking
• Scope for optional features

A typical development process for Novarum takes approximately 6 months and begins with proof of concept. The feasibility, optimization, and validation steps involve developing the user interface system, improving image processing and removing any faults in the system before deployment of the final applications and database.

Novarum development process.

Services Available

The services offered by BBI with regards to the software tool are:

• Technical support
• Installation and setup
• Maintenance
• Application support
• Customized database support

About BBInternational

BBInternational is recognized globally for the design and manufacture of superior quality gold reagents applied within lateral flow rapid diagnostic tests for the 'Point of Care' (POC) market. BBInternational offers its unique 'in-house' recipe gold colloid to a major player in the global diagnostics marketplace with a reputation for its superior quality reagents, assay development, and contract manufacturing services.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by BBInternational.

For more information on this source, please visit BBInternational.