A groundbreaking Tasmanian research project is set to transform care for dialysis patients worldwide.
Around 12.5 per cent of Tasmanians live with chronic kidney disease-the highest rate in Australia. As the disease progresses, many require peritoneal dialysis, often done at home.
To treat infection, patients are given antibiotics.
But when mixed with dialysis fluids, one of the most commonly used antibiotics can break down into a potentially harmful compound called pyridine.
Now, a team of Tasmanian researchers is developing a world-first finger-prick blood test combined with an advanced analytical technique that can detect pyridine levels - making it safer and easier for patients to monitor their health from home and without the need for regular trips to the hospital.
The project is supported by Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation and Huon Aquaculture.
"This project is about making dialysis treatment safer for patients managing their treatments from the comforts of their own home," said research lead Dr Rahul Patel from the University of Tasmania's School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
"By developing a sensitive test that can be used with a simple finger prick and posted back for testing, we're removing the barriers of complex sample collection and will significantly improve outcomes for dialysis patients across the state," said Dr Patel.
Stephanie Furler, CEO of the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation, said community support is key to enabling such breakthroughs.
"We're incredibly grateful to Huon for backing a project that could improve the lives of people in Tasmania and beyond," said Ms Furler.
Hannah Gray, General Manager of Corporate Governance at Huon, said supporting the project was a great continuation of the company's support for medical research through its partnership with RHHRF.
"Dialysis patients need more protein and omega-3s-nutrients Tasmanian salmon offers in abundance. We're proud to support research that improves health outcomes for our community," Ms Gray said.
Image caption: Dr Rahul Patel from the University's School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (centre) with Robert Casboult from Huon Aquaculture and Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation CEO Stephanie Furler.
