Tech Shout!

On Wednesday French chipmaker STMicro announced that it will be introducing a disposable chip that would be able to spot the avian flu in humans. The company said that the test would be available for healthcare providers by the fall, just in time for the next flu season.

While the virus has not yet made the necessary mutations in order to transmit easily among humans, scientists claim that the avian flu carries the highest risk of a worldwide pandemic of any flu strain in decades.

Since its discovery in 2003, the virus has proved fatal to 79 people. However, this mutation requires direct contact with infected birds.

Singapore-based medical diagnostics company Veredus Laboratories is also working with STMicro on the project, and is developing the application that would detect the virus. The breakthrough could mean it would take only one test rather than several to confirm a case within humans.

A sample of blood is placed on the chip, which is then run through a machine where it is read for the results. No price has been set on the test, although STMicro said it would first deliver it to airports and immigration checkpoints, where the company stands to make the most money.

In a statement STMicro said, “The single-test application will be a substantial breakthrough in enabling rapid identification of the infectious agent to limit the spread of the disease and speed patients’ treatment.”

Both STMicro and Verdus said pricing would be competitive as long as those interested would support the project through large orders. STMicro says it is also looking into employing the technology for other diseases, such as pneumonia.