Summary
A new test developed at the University of Nottingham can diagnose types of brain tumors in just hours instead of weeks. This faster method helps doctors decide the best treatment sooner and can even guide surgery decisions while the patient is still on the operating table.
Key Facts
- A new test diagnoses brain tumors quickly, in about 90 minutes.
- The test was developed by the University of Nottingham and local doctors.
- Traditional methods can take up to eight weeks for a complete diagnosis.
- The new test has been successful in diagnosing 50 cases so far.
- Surgeons can now make immediate decisions about further surgery if needed.
- Faster diagnoses can help get patients to treatment like chemotherapy more quickly.
- The method uses nanopore genetic sequencing technology.
- A real-life example involved a child named Nancy, whose diagnosis took two weeks, causing anxiety; the new test could have sped up this process.
