Self-testing kit uses urine, gives key diagnostic tests in a minute on an app
Validated by BMC's Sion Hospital, the technology has been developed by IIT-Bombay alumni Nikunj Malpani, Pratik Lodha, and Anurag Meena.
Nagpur: Those who are too scared of the prick while giving a blood sample have a reason to smile. Three ex-IITians have developed a very low-cost self-test kit that uses urine instead of blood to give important pathological tests for diabetes health, ketones, pH, and hydration in under a minute.
Validated by BMC’s Sion Hospital, the technology has been developed by IIT-Bombay alumni Nikunj Malpani, Pratik Lodha, and Anurag Meena.
Meena was also heavily motivated by her parents’ co-morbid conditions that required a high frequency of testing, while Maplani also had a health-tech background.
These three also founded a startup ‘Neodox’ in the year 2020. Since then, test kits have gained popularity, said representatives of startups who showcased the innovation at the 108th Indian Science Congress in Nagpur.
Once the self test report is generated on the app
“The kit only contains a urine container. Test cards are also dipped in it. Chemistry takes 60 seconds to react. The user has to open the app to scan the colour-coded strip on the Neodox app.” Manasvi Shah, Head of Partnership, said.
She also said that within 30 seconds the whole health can be tracked with the help of urine. “It is an anytime and anywhere kit. Accuracy is measured in two ways – specificity and sensitivity. The kit has specificity of 99% and 96% sensitivity. Once the self test report is generated on the app, it can be shared with the treating doctor for analysis.” she said.
The kit is also available online, including through retail chains and pharmacy portals. “We have partnered with a number of women’s health companies and are working with doctors in Mumbai and Jaipur,” she said.
Malpani has a healthcare background and wanted to do something in health-tech. “She is a serial entrepreneur in health tech. Meena did this out of concern for her parents and many others like her,” she said.
All three founders have very different expertise, while Prateek also handles technology.
