Coventry-based Smallfry aims to change lives through design and engineering and QuickCheck, is a perfect example of how collaboration and design innovation can really transform ideas. Turning new technology and science into products that drive impact and improve lives.
This latest medical device collaboration could revolutionise both the speed and diagnosis of peritonitis in vulnerable kidney and liver failure patients. With results 10,000X faster than current methods, this easy to use, portable device will hopefully make significant strides forward for patients who rely on peritoneal dialysis (PD).
When one in 20 peritonitis episodes result in the death of the PD patient, prevention and prompt and appropriate management of the condition is essential for the long-term success of peritoneal dialysis.
QuickCheck was born out of collaboration between Smallfry Innovation and the team at MicroBioSensor. To rapidly identify Leukocyte levels in peritoneal effluent. The device provides a clear, non-subjective answer as to whether ISPDthreshold levels of leukocytes have been exceeded, thus providing crucial and timely information to help clinical teams decide whether patients need to be admitted to hospital.
QuickCheck is portable and maintains accuracy levels equal to hospital laboratory testing, whilst delivering results in seconds. With current testing methods taking up to 48 hours, this new device can act as an early warning system for microbial infection to ensure patients receive early treatment.
Designed to be lightweight, portable, and accurate, QuickCheck allows nurses to carry out an instant leukocyte count at the patient’s home. Providing convenience to the patient and supporting rapid detection and treatment pathways. In a nutshell, it provides a genuine opportunity to relieve pressure on an overwhelmed healthcare system, reduce costs and dramatically improve patient outcomes.
With significant expertise in medical device development and design, Smallfry ensured that patient and user experiences were paramount throughout the design process. They invested quality time to understand the challenges of dialysis, infection risk and the typical testing process for Peritonitis.
With comprehensive human centred research and design, access to medical grade in-house 3D printing and engineering knowledge, Smallfry were able to work through several concept iterations. To refine the device, making sure it was simple and clear to use. Free from dirt traps, engineered to cope with being portable and easy to keep clean.
With automated results and a digital readout, the device provides an early warning system for infection or provides reassurance when there is no significant infection risk. The resulting outcomes include improved patient care, resource savings and help in the battle against rising antimicrobial resistance.
You can read more about the device on this Case Study.
