The SmartSensor device is a home-use medical diagnostic test device, incorporating biosensor technology coupled to an integral detachable microchip.

The biosensor performs medical diagnostic tests, automatically recording the test information on the microchip, contained in a snap-off data module, which is then detached from the device.

Data must be retrieved from the data module and processed to generate test results . This can be by simply mailing the data module for processing or the test data can be transferred electronically using communications technology.

The test portion of the device, containing the potentially infectious sample, may be disposed of safely in household waste.

A core informatics system and database handles the processing of test data and generation of test reports. This system is web-based and is essentially a "back-office" function, however the system has the capability of interacting via the Internet and through private intranets, enabling many options for innovative disease management products and pharmaceuticals applications.

Data can be retrieved from the test user either by mail or electronically. The first products will utilise mailed data modules, which maximises patient and consumer access by removing the need for technology.

Test results are initially stored in the SSt informatics system, in an electronic patient record. Results can be provided to the user, the user's doctor or both, by various means including mail, telephone, fax, email, secure web site and through the user's lifetime electronic health record.

The SSt system is a novel patented method of performing and analysing quantitative diagnostic tests outside the hospital environment for a variety of common conditions.

A unique feature is its ability to perform the test at the patient's convenience, have the data analysed and interpreted remotely by a healthcare professional and the result returned directly to the patient or relayed via a doctor or nurse.

The SSt system offers laboratory standards of accuracy and reliability with professional patient management, combined with the accessibility and convenience of home testing.

The flexibility of data collection and processing enables a number of innovative healthcare service models. Patients and consumers can access healthcare management through telephone help lines such the NHS Direct service provided in the UK, through a visit to a pharmacist or nurse, or via email, text message or a web-based patient record.

General healthcare applications

Screening & diagnosis
Tests used annually to detect the onset of disease before the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis can have a major effect on the success of treatment in many diseases and can lead to less aggressive therapy, improved quality of life and reduced mortality.

New patient monitoring
Assists the patient in finding the correct therapeutic and disease management regime by providing regular monitoring and advice. Patient compliance is a major problem with many therapeutic programmes and the provision of feedback on the progress of therapy will help motivate patients as well as ensure the correct treatment is used.

Routine patient monitoring
Ensures regular monitoring of disease and its complications, with minimum inconvenience to the patient and at reduced cost for the healthcare provider.

Applications in pharmaceuticals

Safety monitoring
Tests for the pharmaceutical industry to monitor the health and well being of patients undergoing clinical trials for drugs and other therapies.

Efficacy & compliance monitoring
Tests for the pharmaceutical industry to monitor response to a drug or other therapy and/or to monitor patient compliance.

Initial disease applications

Type 2 and pre-diabetes management
Tests for screening for diabetes and for assisting patients with managing their condition using diet and lifestyle changes and/or oral antidiabetic drugs.

Cholesterol management
Tests for screening for elevated cholesterol and for assisting patients with managing their cholesterol levels using diet and lifestyle changes and/or oral cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins).