AWARD YEAR
2019
CATEGORY
Work
GOALS
Good Health & Well-being
KEYWORDS
centrifuge , healthcare, bicycle
COUNTRY
United Kingdom
DESIGNED BY
Jack Trew
WEBSITE
https://www.jamesdysonaward.org/2014/project/spokefuge/
low-tech centrifuge
A low-tech centrifuge alternative which can diagnose anaemia
A low-tech centrifuge alternative, used to diagnose anaemic patients in rural developing countries. Over two billion people are affected by anaemia across the globe, this makes the blood condition the largest nutritional disorder in the world, 30% of all humans on Earth are thought to be anaemic. The theory behind the device is quite uncomplicated, once sufficient blood samples are collected into the provided capillary tubes, they are to be placed in a rubber casing and inserted into the pivoting centrifugal ‘arm’ and sealed air-tight with a lid. Once a balanced number of devices have been attached to the rear bicycle spokes, the bicycle can be ridden in a fixed or upside down position for an approximate time of 10 minutes until the blood sample begins to separate. This simple device has the potential to replicate the results produced by an expensive electric centrifuge in areas that are perhaps too underdeveloped or remote for modern medical equipment to be used.