In this article there is a company from the U.K. that is in the process of developing a test for sexually transmitted diseases that can be done on a new data telephone. The test would involve spitting or peeing onto a computer chip. Then the individual would plug this chip into their phone, the phone would then process the results and give you a positive or negative result. This project is known as eSTI², and is being developed by many hospitals that are situated around the United Kingdom. The specific hospitals that are taking part in the development of this software received a 6.2 million dollar grant to help in the cost in developing the new technology. The leading scientist behind this whole idea is Tariq Sadiq, who is a professor at the University of London, and he says, “This test aims to give people no excuses not to get tested.” This is meant to be a cheap product, only costing the individual around one dollar to buy the chip. In the article it also says, “The technology is very close to becoming a reality.”
I believe that this is a good idea and I hope that the software works like it was planned. In the article it says that they hope to have these special chips in vending machines and other areas that are easily accessible so that people aren’t discouraged to get tested. I think that this would help people who are unsure if they have a specific STD, and they would also have no reason not to test themselves. There are many people who won’t go get tested because they are scared of what the doctors will have to say about them having unprotected sex, and the idea of being seen at a clinic. I think this is a step in the right direction so everyone knows if they have a STD, and will ultimately not pass it without knowing.
Yin, Sara. "UK Scientists Develop Mobile STD Test." PCmag. ZiffDavis, 09 Nov. 2010. Web. 9 Nov. 2010.http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372409,00.asp
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