File this under technology that really shouldn’t exist. British researchers are developing a kit for mobile phones and personal computers, equipped with the ability to test for sexually transmitted infections. Basically, you spit or pee on a computer chip, shove it into your device and then find out whether you have chlamydia. And it’ll only take a few minutes!
Yes, this could actually happen. The technology already exists, and they just need to deal with issues of confidentiality and data protection. But when it all comes down to it, is it really a good idea for your mobile phone to become your “mobile doctor”? Do the benefits of this application outweigh the potential problems?
-Dewitt
I’m afraid I’d void my warranty if I peed on my phone!
I like the idea… I mean, that’s the ultimate green card, right? Hot guy, spit on my chip, pass the test, YAHOO!
Yeah…now they just need one for the more important STDs. I.e. the ones you cannot cure, like herpes, HPV, and HIV.
Um yeah, thats just nasty, and would never trust one in place of a legitimate test as I’m sure there would be accuracy issues. It’s not like cellular apps are perfect & infallable (i.e Manhunt’s), not to mention all the lawsuits that’d arise after wrong results are issued. I do applaud the effort though, Sorry if I’m seemingly taking this too seriously for some, but I value my health to much to leave it in the hands of my iPhone…
really good in concept but… really bad in concept :s
I don’t know why the author thinks this shouldn’t exist. We already have small strips of paper that detect whether you have HIV or Hepatitis C that have drastically improved the detection of those infections. Before you had to go into an office, be condescended to by a doctor, wait a week, come back etc. Just the 20 min rapid HIV test has eliminated much of the process that scared people away from getting tested and thus increased the spread of HIV. Why can’t the same process be applied with other, more common STI’s? Anything that increases people’s awareness of their health and encourages them to get treatment before spreading it to more partners should be applauded, not made into a joke or discounted.
Here is the issue, nano and bio technology are actually super advanced, but usually ignored by the public due to their astronomical prices. The prospects that could happen in our world if we crossed over into these sciences are so phenomenal , that many CEO’s have actually “offered support” to congressmen who vote against funding research in these fields. Basically, they know that these could create a foundation on which a new world order could exist…one where they werent on top…sad day…this is why voting is important
I think this is a fantastic idea, We already have this kind of think for diabetes etc, so why not! And it´s a lot less embarassing if there is nothing wrong
i think the idea is good.
obviously, it’s a matter of implementation and execution.
additionally, the kind of mobile device that will do the testing shall likely be quite different in design than what’s available (at least in the united states — western europe and japan tend to have access to more advanced technology, than those in the united states) now.
once all the Ps & Qs are sorted, it will be the perfect thing: i wouldn’t mind verifying whether or no i have a Social Malady, right before engaging in a session of sexual congress.
Sounds like a Medical Tricorder from Star Trek… just sayin.
With Telstra Australia and the extremely low confidence I have in their technology after all these years of poor service, no thanks! I might as well hit the low down pubs in Cairns barebacking and hope for the best. Does anyone know of an std “HTLV’ HUMAN T CELL LYMPH VIRUS?
I think its an awesome id. Think someone is lying, tell them to spit or pee & problem solved. Those that have nothing to hide and/or arent scared cause they dont engage in unsafe behaviors would have nothing to worry bout. Those that do…. well they wont be first in line to agree on this naturally.
Is there a device to test for complete douche bags? There seems to be a rampant increase of that kind of outbreak!
If you’d actually need one of those your probably getting around too much.
The expression”cloud cuckoo land” springs to mind.What are these people thinking of.You know when you have the clap,its not rocket science.Get to the clinic,fools
It’s a great idea. Early detection on any disease is the best way to avoid spreading it. With all the shame we place on STD’s (hey, they happen) guys are reluctant to go and get tested as they should. So rather than treatment, they just keep on sharing it as long as it stays hidden and many STD’s do. I’m not sure I’d use this on a date when he arrives (just in case it’s wrong) but it would be a great piece of information to have. Besides, it’s not like it’s a manditory app and you’ll be forced to use it. We should exploit technology to the fullest…after all it is our creation.