Smart Read App for on the spot LFT Readings

UK-based UnifAI Technology, developers of an app which can read COVID-19 lateral flow diagnostic tests from smartphones, has been given special use authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The Special Use derogation currently covers Innova, ACON and Orient Gene lateral flow tests which are in use in the NHS Test & Trace programme, and MP Bio lateral flow tests. Further tests expected to be added.

The digital reader, co-funded by Innovate UK and authorised for use in the UK & Ireland has remote diagnostic capability using advanced AI to turn otherwise analogue and siloed lateral flow and other point of care tests into connected and digital tests, providing auditable and evidence-based results.

It is being developed for use with human and animal point of care health testing and for in-field environmental monitoring such as for water and soil quality.

Simon Edmonds, Chief Business Officer, Innovate UK said: “When the global pandemic hit, it was clear that smart innovations were needed to address the new realities. Innovate UK sought out the best ideas and has funded projects such as UnifAI’s lateral flow test digital reader.”

Now authorised by the MHRA, the reader would “bring real benefits as we seek to beat this pandemic and shows the value of backing enterprising ideas,” he commented.

Company Chairman and CEO Phil Hughes said: “It is a major achievement to create what has been described as the best-in-class AI capability to interpret lateral flow device results helping to reduce transmission of the virus and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on people and the economy.”

“This will become increasingly important in the developed and developing world as we face new healthcare challenges with growing global populations and increased pressure on resources and supply chains,” he added.

More information online