Our innovative point-of-care test with integrated blood-collection simplifies the identification of various micronutrient deficiencies. With just a push of a button, we are making maternal, child, and infant testing more accessible.
William Oak Diagnostics are looking to simplify the identification of a number of micronutrient deficiencies in mothers with their innovative at-home micronutrient testing device. We're really pleased to be supporting them with how to reduce environmental impact and improve usability.
The organisation has recently won a sustainability funding grant to support the continued development of their device, and will be working with our Sustainability Lab, Design and Research & Strategy teams to not only support with the rigorous user testing to inform the design process and regulatory approvals, but also to take a holistic look at the environmental considerations surrounding production, usage and disposal.
Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ek5SpsRT#Sustainability#Diagnostics#HealthcareSteriPack Group
🔬 Important Info on MMA Testing for B12 Deficiency 🔬
Did you know that the MMA (Methylmalonic Acid) test can also be an indicator of B12 deficiency, even though it's not routinely carried out? When B12 levels are low, MMA levels will be raised. Extremely high MMA levels almost always mean low B12. MMA can be tested in in blood serum or urine.
However, high MMA levels can also be seen in conditions like renal insufficiency, hypovolemia (low blood volume), and intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In these cases, MMA levels can't be used alone to diagnose B12 deficiency, though it might still be present.
The NICE guideline recommends looking at MMA as part of an overall diagnosis. As yet many GPs are not aware of this.
We know that MMA testing can be obtained privately and whilst we strongly recommend working constructively with your doctor to get a diagnosis, we know that sometimes patients seeking an answer look for private tests to help them make sense of how they are feeling.
Two companies who provide such tests are supporting PAS by making charitable donations or offering a discount to our members. You can find out more on the members section of our website.
Support our charity by becoming a member or donating regularly. Follow our page for more insights and useful information about PA!
#PAS#PerniciousAnaemia#B12deficiency#vitaminB12#HealthAwareness#LifewithPA#PASociety#PAS12
We're thrilled to partner with William Oak Diagnostics, working together to reduce the environmental impact of their innovative micronutrient testing device - designed as a point-of-care diagnostic with real-time data collection.
The organisation has recently won a sustainability funding grant to support the continued development of their device, and will be working with our Sustainability Lab, Design and Research & Strategy teams to not only support with the rigorous user testing to inform the design process and regulatory approvals, but also to take a holistic look at the environmental considerations surrounding production, usage and disposal.
Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/ek5SpsRT#Sustainability#Diagnostics#HealthcareSteriPack Group
That’s a wrap on the pitches! Well done to our 11 teams who gave brilliant presentations.
It’s not easy to streamline years’ worth of research and development into a five-minute pitch, but our cohort founders have done a phenomenal job of showcasing the impact their game-changing technologies can make.
For a deeper dive into each company in the Start Accelerator 1.0 Cohort go to our website (below) or follow them directly:
🫧AetoSense - low-cost and high-accuracy indoor air quality monitoring sensors
🦠 BioTryp Therapeutics - dividing bacteria to end overreliance on traditional antibiotics
🧪BravelyCultured - using proprietary technology to replace petroleum-based products
🧠 Cambridge Vision Technology - early detection of Alzheimer’s
🔋 Molyon - next-generation lithium batteries
💻Nanomation - building computer vision software for the semiconductor industry
🎈Orbit - using non-invasive nanotechnology to transform mental health treatment
♻️ Protonera - digesting plastic with sunlight
⚡VOLTQUANT - fixing the UK electricity grid to enable Net Zero
🩺 William Oak Diagnostics- developing effective testing for micronutrient deficiencies
🧫 Xterna - targeting bio-molecule therapy
#spinouts#innovation#cambridgeuniversity#demoday
Understanding B12 Deficiency: Why Testing Matters
As advocates for health and well-being, we at the Pernicious Anaemia Society understand the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis, especially when it comes to B12 deficiency.
However, it's crucial to address the hesitations and concerns that doctors may have regarding testing for this condition.
🔴 Why the Pushback?
Doctors may express reluctance towards testing for B12 deficiency due to various reasons. They might have concerns about an increase in workload and associated costs looking for a cause. Additionally, there might be concerns about overlooking other conditions with similar symptoms.
🔴 The Misconceptions
One prevailing misconception is the low level of training and general unawareness of nutritional deficiencies and their diverse causes in the health care profession. This lack of awareness can lead to underestimating the prevalence and impact of conditions like B12 deficiency.
🔴 Working Towards Solutions
Whilst we acknowledge these concerns, it's essential to highlight the importance of timely diagnosis. Our experience, backed by feedback from our members, indicates that delays in diagnosis and unnecessary referrals can be more costly and time-consuming in the long run. More importantly we know that people diagnosed with PA early and treated properly recover more quickly and more fully.
🔴 The Way Forward
We welcome the NICE Guideline recommendation for diagnostic testing based on one common symptom and one risk factor. However, we advocate for a more inclusive approach to symptom recognition and this is where the focus must be. Risk factors may not be present in all situations or may not be known to the patient. A balanced consideration of symptoms and careful application of relevant risk factors, sometimes also accepting that there may not be any risk factor, is crucial to avoid missed or delayed diagnoses.
Support our charity by becoming a member or donating regularly. Follow our page for more insights and useful information about PA!
#PAS#PerniciousAnaemia#B12deficiency#vitaminB12#HealthAwareness#LifewithPA#PASociety#PAS12
🩺 Learn more about Cohort 1.0: William Oak Diagnostics 🩺
On our penultimate introduction to our Start cohort, and as they close off their seventh week of the programme, let's meet a start-up bringing a better standard of maternal, infant and child health around the world.
William Oak Diagnostics’ micronutrient test has significant social impact, improving healthcare access and enabling early intervention. Focused on maternal and child health, it addresses issues like iron deficiency anaemia and other deficiencies that can have serious health implications, offering quick results and reducing the costs of hospital-based tests.
Their innovative approach will simplify blood collection, providing clear results through a phone app, having the potential to personalise nutritional health monitoring for individuals. Ultimately, it will empower individuals to foster healthier lives and prevent the serious consequences of vitamin deficiency in vulnerable social groups - pregnant women and infants.
CEO Alexander Patto and CTO Tim Dwyer are a core part of the Founders at the University of Cambridge Start programme. Get to know when via our Cohort 1.0 lookbook: https://bit.ly/4cc3ybB
Visit the William Oak Diagnostics website: https://lnkd.in/eZe5XRs9#Medical#Diagnostics#Nutrition#PointOfCareTesting#FoundersStart#Entrepreneurship#StartUps#Innovation#Venture#Mentoring#CambridgeUniversity of CambridgeCambridge Enterprise
