March 4, 2026 — 6:00am
Australian researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking rapid test device capable of detecting all major sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a single use. The innovation, developed by the Doherty Institute in Melbourne, is being hailed as a potential “game changer” in the fight against common STIs, including syphilis, which Australia has recently declared a disease of national significance due to its increasing prevalence and risk of misdiagnosis.
The device, approximately the size of a small laptop or briefcase, employs advanced technology to identify pathogens by searching for unique genetic “barcodes,” rather than the traditional method of detecting antigens or antibodies. Researchers anticipate that within the next five years, this device will be widely available in sexual health centers, GP clinics, and community health settings across Australia.
Innovative Testing Capabilities
Unlike existing rapid tests, the Doherty Institute’s device can simultaneously test for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes using samples of urine, saliva, or nasal fluids. Results are delivered within 50 minutes, a significant improvement over the current standard, which often requires days for results from traditional STI swabs.
The device aims to address the issue of “loss of follow-up,” where patients fail to return for their test results or subsequent treatment. Dr. Shivani Pasricha, a laboratory head at the Doherty Institute’s department of infectious diseases, emphasized the importance of tests that can be conducted on-site, providing immediate and accurate results to facilitate same-visit treatment.
“We need tests that can be performed where the individual is, and that are accurate and rapid. Tests that would allow the person to be treated in that same visit. Current technologies don’t really allow for that,” said Dr. Shivani Pasricha.
Clinical Trial Results and Implications
In laboratory trials, the device demonstrated an accuracy of over 80% for syphilis and more than 90% for herpes. Although the sensitivity for gonorrhea was slightly lower at 80%, the device can also detect antibiotic-resistant strains, enabling immediate tailored treatment. These findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal The Lancet Microbe.
Between 2005 and 2025, STI rates in Victoria surged from 10,695 to 35,803, marking a 234% increase, according to federal government data.
The rise in STI rates, coupled with increasing antibiotic resistance, underscores the urgent need for improved testing methods. Dr. Pasricha noted that both the federal government and the World Health Organization have recognized the necessity for enhanced STI testing, particularly in light of rising congenital syphilis cases.
Addressing a Growing Health Challenge
Congenital syphilis, which re-emerged in Victoria in 2017 after a 25-year absence, has been on the rise globally. This resurgence is mirrored by a more than doubling of infectious syphilis cases in Victoria over the past decade, with 1,450 cases reported last year compared to 637 in 2014. Already, over 280 cases have been reported this year.
In response to the alarming increase in syphilis infections, which led to the deaths of 10 infants in Victoria last year, Australia’s chief health officer declared syphilis a communicable disease of national significance. Traditional testing methods for syphilis in Australia typically involve laboratory analysis of intravenous blood samples. However, the new device offers a more accessible alternative.
“Our [test] works on urine,” Pasricha explained. “It can work on swabs. So it really is a game changer for the individual.”
Future Prospects and Global Impact
The technology holds particular promise for remote communities and countries with limited access to centralized laboratories. Dr. Pasricha expressed confidence that the device will improve access to testing and help reduce health disparities.
The next phase involves trialing the device at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre and Clinic 34 in Darwin later this year. Marcus Chen, a clinician at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, highlighted the device’s potential to differentiate between syphilis and herpes, which often present with visually similar genital ulcers.
As the trials progress, the potential for this innovative device to revolutionize STI testing and treatment becomes increasingly apparent, offering hope for more effective management of sexual health both in Australia and globally.
