New at-home test to diagnose life-threatening disease

Victorian researchers are using a new at-home test to diagnose type 1 diabetes.

Endocrinologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Professor John Wentworth, says the test is slightly less accurate than a formal blood test, but it’s a valuable tool because of its convenience.

“We trade that accuracy for the fact it’s so convenient and so simple,” he told Ross and Russel.

“We’ve set up a program for people who have family member with type 1 diabetes so anywhere from Australia they can log on, order a kit, do it at home and then mail it to us.

“We can usually turn it around in three or four weeks.”

Press PLAY below to hear how the test works