Evaluation, Prototyping and Production Pathway of a Diagnostic for Peritoneal Dialysis Infection

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Increasing numbers of people are suffering from kidney failure, particularly resulting from diabetes. Patients with kidney failure can have two types of dialysis; Peritoneal- or Haemo-dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home and gives the patient the most freedom and flexibility, it is also cheaper than haemodialysis. However, it carries a risk of serious infection, and often by the time infection becomes obvious, it can be life-threatening. The project aims to develop a simple new test which can help patients to detect infections at an early stage. This means that treatment could be started more quickly and the infection controlled more easily. The test also gives additional information to the medical team, allowing them to choose the best treatment. The idea for the new test came from the University of Manchester where researchers have been working on detection of bacteria using a colour change reaction. Microbiosensor Ltd are now working to fully develop this test, and a way of manufacturing a reliable, easy to use product. Dialysis patients have been involved in designing the product, and making sure it is easy to use. In this project the new test will be developed so it is ready to be tested by patients.