A first-of-its-kind sputum collection device inspired by lollipops and chewing gum has been announced by the India Health Fund (IHF), a Tata Trusts project, for use in TB testing in youngsters.
It is being developed by Coimbatore-based firm 221B Biomedical and is known as “Blow-Pop.” It will aid in addressing the thousands of cases of under-, mis-, and delayed diagnosis of paediatric tuberculosis. Over the next two years, the novel child-friendly sample collection device is anticipated to be prepared for use.
As reported by Biospectrum India, the most recent funding from India Health Fund to 221B Biomedical will help with the development and clinical verification of the company’s simulated technique. The invention is a low-cost tool that will increase the security, effectiveness, and simplicity of sputum collection for paediatric tuberculosis (TB). The conch-shaped gadget, which was designed with the user experience of chewing gum and lollipops in mind, only requires kids to chew and blow or cough to collect oral fluid samples. The technology will also be perfect for low-resource environments, such as basic healthcare installations, due to its simplicity.