In the early phase of infection, when the amount of virus present is small, accurate detection of influenza is difficult. Patients are asked to visit the hospital again after a substantial period of time, and this causes the delay of treatment and worsening of the patient's condition. "If only we can detect the virus earlier." This was our aspiration that led to the birth of IMMUNO AG1.
Through our photographic development technology, we have significantly increased the detection sensitivity for the influenza virus. Cases not detected before are now detectable.
Junichi Katada thought that if he could increase the detection sensitivity for the virus, early diagnosis of influenza would be possible.
He went back to the roots of the photographic development technology as he immersed himself in his research for this new technology. At long last, he discovered a developing solution that can significantly increase the detection sensitivity. By the adhesion of the silver clusters to the colloidal gold antibodies, the sensitivity increased a 100 fold, allowing the detection of the virus even in the early infection phase.
Speed means little without accuracy. Sometimes extra colloidal gold will yield false results, so we use a washing process to remove it from the test. To amplify the silver, we "wash" away colloidal gold that has not attached to antibodies, thus providing more accurate results.
I can now diagnose with confidence."
"There was a time when we had to ask patients to return to the hospital, if his condition has been getting worse. However, now we can diagnose early. Influenza is infectious, so it's important to diagnose patients early, and AG1 makes this possible, reassuring patients and doctors alike."
"This technology is not only for influenza.
It is a promising technology for the detection of other infectious diseases."
Through early detection, we can easily treat more people all over the world, prevent the spread of the disease, and contribute to early recovery.