A new quantum sensing technology designed to improve the diagnosis of iron disorders in First Nations communities has received a $2.2 million funding boost from the Australian Government.
FeBI Technologies is developing a new blood test that directly measures iron levels, with the project aiming to provide a cheaper and more reliable alternative to existing testing methods.
The funding has been provided through the Australian Government's Critical Technologies Challenge Program and will support further development of the technology, as well as continued engagement with First Nations communities in the Northern Territory.
FeBI Technologies was co-founded by University of Melbourne Associate Professor David Simpson, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Associate Professor Gawain McColl and Dr Nicole Jenkins.
According to the University of Melbourne, the technology uses quantum sensing to measure the magnetic properties of iron directly from a blood sample.
"Through decades of research, we have developed quantum sensing technology that harnesses the fundamental properties of atoms and light to make physical measurements with unparalleled reliability and precision," Professor Simpson said.
"We are using the power of quantum sensing to measure the magnetic properties of iron directly from a simple blood test, helping to improve health outcomes and wellbeing for First Nations communities."
Current blood tests generally measure ferritin, a protein which stores iron, rather than measuring iron itself.
Dr Jenkins said this could create difficulties for people living with chronic health conditions, which can affect the accuracy of existing tests.
"Iron is vital for health, and iron disorders affect up to one in three people globally," she said.
Current iron tests are confounded by chronic health conditions, which disproportionately impact First Nations peoples, resulting in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment."
The project follows an earlier $494,000 grant which supported the development of a prototype and community engagement work in Katherine.
That work involved partnerships between the University of Melbourne, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.
The next stage will continue those relationships while also bringing the Katherine-based Dijan Training Program and technology company Planet Innovation into the project.
University of Melbourne Professor Sean Taylor, who leads the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health group Onemda, said involvement from local communities and health services would remain an important part of the work.
"Strong partnerships with First Nations communities and local health services are central to this work," Professor Taylor said.
"This funding will help us build on our engagement in the Katherine region, ensuring community priorities guide the development of technology that could improve access to accurate iron testing and support culturally safe care, and better health outcomes, particularly for people facing geographical barriers to accessing health services."
The project is also expected to support greater First Nations participation in Australia's growing quantum technology sector while developing a prototype capable of testing clinical blood samples.
