With tuberculosis continuing to affect millions of people every year, the need for accurate, effective diagnosis and treatment continues to grow. In resource-limited areas, there is little to no access to basic screening technology, one of the primary ways to help detect the disease.

Detailed description of the solution

The team from the University of Waterloo, headed by Karim S. Karim, is designing a $1000 digital X-ray detector. The typical cost of a digital X-ray detector is around $100,000, making this device a much more cost-effective option. The device will provide rapid, accurate results and is portable, thus; the device can be brought to remote areas, helping to ensure that people in resource-limited areas can have access to an X-ray scan for the diagnosis of TB.

Designed by

• Designed by: Karim S. Karim is the project lead (University of Waterloo).
• Manufacturer (if different): n/a
• Manufacturer location: n/a

When and where it was tested/implemented

The device is currently under development at the University of Waterloo.

Funding Source

Received a grant from Grand Challenges Canada (2012).

References