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In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, and off the back of a changes to the acceptability of at-home testing brought about by the COVID pandemic, the demand for accessible, accurate, and user-friendly diagnostics is growing. Among the most impactful tools in this space are rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that can be used in community and at-home settings without the need for clinical intervention; simple, point-of-care tests designed to deliver quick results for a range of conditions, from infectious diseases like HIV and syphilis to general health monitoring for iron deficiency and of course for pregnancy.

• Atomo receives a $2.44 million CRC-P industry grant from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources
• Funding will support development of an innovative rapid active syphilis test for point of care professional use and at-home self-testing
• This successful outcome reflects Atomo’s focus on sexual health tests that address both public health and consumer health demand

Atomo Diagnostics collaboration with The Burnet Institute will see the development of a rapid test for active syphilis detection on Atomo's Pascal platform

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (TP), is a sexually transmitted infection that remains a major global public health concern. Many cases of syphilis are asymptomatic, however, if left untreated for a number of years there can be significant health complications.

Atomo Diagnostics’ HIV Self Test was first launched in Australia in 2018, however its public adoption was limited by the conservative Australian regulations regarding self-tests that restricted advertising and over the counter retailing opportunities. While the test received strong support from community groups, raising awareness about its availability among the wider public remained difficult. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a major shift in the perception of self-testing, both among healthcare providers and consumers, opening new doors for HIV self-testing as people became more comfortable with the concept of managing their health independently.

In the rapidly evolving field of diagnostics, Atomo’s Pascal Test Cassette stands out as a game-changer. Designed to enhance performance and usability in point-of-care and self-testing, this innovative solution offers a range of features that set it apart from traditional diagnostic tools. Here’s a deep dive into the remarkable capabilities of the Pascal Test Cassette and how it compares to conventional lateral flow kits.