Dr.Flask
Medical device
Eight of the 34 million antibiotic prescriptions written each year in the UK are estimated to be unnecessary. One of the factors driving the overuse of antibiotics is an inability to tell whether an infection is caused by bacteria or a virus. Dr.Flask uses biosensor technology to identify common respiratory bacterial infections from a sputum (saliva) sample. The basic results are indicated by bright-colored marks at the bottom of the flask, and more detailed information about the infection can be found on the supporting app. This works a bit like a pregnancy test for coughs, colds and flus – it gives you a diagnosis that helps you choose the best next steps to take.
Dr.Flask focuses on the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in relation to respiratory infections. The design solution comprises an ecosystem of hardware and software products and a well-analyzed system framework, which allows people to make sensible healthcare decisions at home.
WINNER STATEMENTWe’re excited to receive this award the iF Design Talent Award. We believe it is vital to tackle the issue of growing resistance to antibiotics, and hope our design accelerates the development of effective self-testing tools for bacterial and viral infections. Especially in situations like the current crisis, such diagnostic tools can save lives!
UNIVERSITY