Scientists have said that a new protein and cell-sample test kit designed by researchers in Singapore saves time and costs.
The nanotechnology-based kit was developed over five years by researchers from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN).
Current tests take about nine hours. But this new instrument takes just two a bit over three hours.
The kit makes it possible for a laboratory to process protein and cell-sample tests in one-tenth of the usual time.
The required sample size is 25 times smaller that usual, said Dr. Kim Nam Yong, one of two heads of the team.
Monthly costs that a research lab spends could be cut up to 90 per cent for these tests.
Kim said he expects to have the instrument ready for labs next year.