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Diagnostics

Rapid point-of-use testing for infectious diseases in the community

Rapid point-of-use diagnostics are going to change the paradigm of laboratory testing for infectious diseases.

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Principal Investigator
Dr Craig Billington
PHF Science
Public Contact
teniwhacomms@otago.ac.nz
Project Status
Completed
Funding
$803,534.36

Whakarāpopoto Rangahau Summary of Research

There are clear opportunities for rapid point-of-use (POU) testing to reduce inequity and empower communities to take control of their health and environmental resources. Some examples of this may include testing for respiratory viruses, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, monitoring antimicrobial resistance, ensuring safe bathing and drinking water, or monitoring environmental quality.

 

 

We are interested in working with communities to help direct priorities for POU assay development and deployment, and have their input into POU assay design, prototyping and testing in community settings.

PROJECT DURATION  2023 - 2026

 

Te Hiranga a Rangahau Research Impact

The impact of this project will be an increased capability for Aotearoa New Zealand to respond to future pandemics and outbreaks by improving the collection of community health information and increasing our ability to respond to this data in remote and under-served communities. 

This will help communities take ownership of their health and environment by bringing testing capability to a place and time that works for them - enabling more informed decision making and advocacy.

>> IMPACT CASE STUDY (PDF) December 2025

Te Niwha

Ngā Pourangahau Research Leaders

​Dr Craig Billington
PHF Science | Science co-lead 
Dr Rachel Fleming
PHF Science | Science co-lead 

 

 

Kairangahau Research Personnel

​Dr Erasmus Smit
PHF Science and Te Whatu Ora | Clinical Virologist 

Richard Dean
PHF Science | Senior Data Scientist - ESR 

Heidi Baker
PHF Science | Senior Scientist 

Dr Kar Mun Chooi
Plant and Food Research | Senior Scientist 

Dr Courtney Lynch
PHF Science | Early Career Scientist 

Dr Anower Jabed
PHF Science | Scientist 

Olivia Small
PHF Science | Technician

​Shirley Keown
Turanga Health

Elisabeth Moore
Turanga Health

Lief Keown
Turanga Health

Kami Rave
Turanga Health

Glenda Raumati
Nga Miro Health Centre

 

L-R: Rachel Fleming, Craig Billington, Shirley Keown, Lief Keown
At Infectious Diseases & Pandemic Preparedness Summit 2025, Waikato

 

 



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