IndioLabs cuts down biopsy time to 3 seconds with new device

BioScoop extracts tissue automatically, eliminating the possibility of contamination and other problems associated with conventional biopsy, all in three seconds. “BioScoop extracts tissue automatically, eliminating the possibility of contamination and other problems associated with conventional biopsy, all in three seconds,” Siraj Bagwan, IndioLabs MD who co-invented the device, told IANS. Bagwan worked on the project under the Stanford-India Biodesign, a flagship biomedical programme of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and Stanford University, US, “The device consists of a multi-functional needle that pierces the skin and cuts soft liver tissue in one clean ‘scooping’ action. “The conservative estimate of the market size is of Rs 300 crore to Rs 500 crore for liver biopsy in India alone, even though this device can easily be extended to breast, kidney, lungs and prostate soft-organ biopsies, among others,” said Reddy. “IndioLabs is likely to launch ‘BioScoop’ in India by March 2015, followed by a phased global launch in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe and the United States,” added Reddy.