"Walking" pneumonia diagnosis possible in minutes

Scientists at the University of Georgia have developed a nanotechnology-based technique for diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae — commonly called “walking” pneumonia — in minutes rather than the days now normally needed to get test results.  According to the researchers, this rapid diagnosis allows treatment to begin more quickly, reducing the consequences to the patient and limiting the likelihood the condition will spread to others.

The diagnostic test is built on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using silver nanorod arrays, developed in the UGA Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center.  Both the research and the Center are supported by investments from the Georgia Research Alliance.  Read more here>