Breakthrough in diagnostics testing enables ‘facial recognition for germs’
Collaboration with John Radcliffe Hospital used AI to identify respiratory viruses and different strains with an accuracy of >97% in under five minutes
Founders seek further investment to help revolutionise respiratory infection diagnostics with better control of viral outbreaks, alleviating pressure on the NHS
February 6th, 2023 - Oxford, United Kingdom - Nicolas Shiaelis and Dr Nicole Robb, Oxford University scientists and co-founders of health tech company Pictura Bio, have developed a world-first diagnostic, test powered by artificial intelligence, that can identify known respiratory viruses such as influenza and COVID-19 within five minutes from just one nasal or throat swab.
A series of tests has shown that the Pictura Bio invention can distinguish between the different viruses that cause Covid, flu and colds with 97 per cent accuracy.
EXCLUSIVE: Officials have blamed Covid restrictions for interrupting the spread of Strep A bacteria and viruses, leaving more children susceptible to catching it and becoming poorly.
EXCLUSIVE: Dr Nicole Robb, a virologist at the University of Oxford, told MailOnline that lateral flow tests should be rolled out to detect Strep A infections earlier.
Little Camila Rose Burns was dancing on Friday evening with friends but by Monday fighting for her life on a ventilator at Alder Hey Children s Hospital in Liverpool.