Knowledge transfer workshop by visiting researchers takes place in the university
MKU Researchers held a knowledge transfer workshop at MKU Thika Campus. The workshop dubbed ‘Point of Care Diagnostics workshop’ attracted a wide variety of attendants cutting across all disciplines. Some of the attendants and speakers included pathologists, public health officials, biomedical scientists and chemical engineers.
The workshop was organized as a deliverable of “ Point of Care Analysis” project which is funded by Newton Utafiti and it sought to transfer knowledge about fabrication of lab-on chip devices for diagnosis at point of care.
Prof Nicole Pamme from University of Hull, UK. Was the main speaker.She has previously worked on fabrication of microfluidic lab on chip devices and her group applies the technology for environmental on site analysis. Diagnostic technology is currently shifting towards miniaturization and this comes with the advantages of minimal space requirement, reduced turnaround times and these devices do not require specialized personnel to operate. Low-complexity, rapid, and accurate diagnostic tests for diseases performed on demand closer to the point of patient care have the potential to deliver timely results to inform diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, the knowledge gained in the workshop is on course in overcoming a number of challenges in our healthcare setting.
MKU researchers plans to test the novel devices on samples obtained from the hospital upon receiving permission to include human participants in the project from the Ethical Review Committee. The researchers led by Dr. Gitaka will optimize the use of the devices and establish their applicability in improving the health of the Kenyan population.
Prof Francis Muregi, Director of Research and Innovation while addressing the researchers emphasized that those working under him are capable of delivering the desired results in terms of running funded projects.
