Spectral to develop rapid blood sampling devices

Spectral Diagnostics Inc, Etobicoke ON, has launched a $12-million R&D project to develop a family of hand-held, finger-prick blood sampling devices. The project received $3.9 million in assistance from Technology Partnerships Canada. Spectral is targeting a 15-minute diagnosis time for the rapid, point-of-care instruments, providing timely test results for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The first disease target is West Nile virus but it will also be used for dengue fever and malaria. Spectral has 86 employees and is considered a leader in the development of antibodies and rapid tests for myocardial infarction (heart attack) and sepsis....