Every minute matters when diagnosing a heart attack. Delays in detecting elevated cardiac troponin levels can mean the difference between life and death.

Imprinted Diagnostics, a University of Manchester spinout led by Professor Marloes Peeters and Dr Alexander Stokes, has created a diagnostic device designed to redefine emergency cardiac care by delivering rapid, lab quality diagnostics at the point of need. Roughly the size of a lunchbox, the device is a portable device that delivers accurate troponin readings from a finger prick in under 30 minutes, dramatically reducing patient waiting times in emergency and critical care settings. By eliminating the need for external lab processing, frontline clinicians are able to make faster, life-saving decisions.

The device matches the diagnostic accuracy of NHS-standard ELISA assays but at a fraction of the cost. Its affordability and portability make it ideal for deployment in ambulances, rural clinics, and resource limited hospitals, extending high-quality cardiac care to underserved populations.

At the heart of the device is a breakthrough synthetic antibody: the Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP). Unlike traditional assays that rely on animal-derived antibodies, MIPs are lab-engineered, cruelty-free, and scalable. This not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures consistent quality and supply.

After successful early tests on 50 patient samples, Imprinted Diagnostics is now preparing to scale up development, supported by a £75,000 UnitM innovation award from the University.

• If you’re a clinician, investor, or mentor interested in collaboration or supporting the team’s next phase of development, visit imprinteddiagnostics.com.