New Rapid Testing Techniques Promise Faster, Affordable Haemophilia Diagnosis

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Researchers at K J Somaiya Hospital have created three rapid tests that diagnose haemophilia within 5 to 10 minutes, drastically reducing the usual wait time of several hours and cutting costs from up to ₹15,000 to as low as ₹100. These innovations aim to improve early detection and treatment access, especially in remote areas, potentially benefiting many undiagnosed patients and addressing complications related to inhibitors in haemophilia care.

Researchers at K J Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai have developed three new rapid testing techniques capable of diagnosing haemophilia within five to 10 minutes, a significant reduction from the traditional four to six hours required for conventional tests. This advancement promises not only faster results but also substantially lowered costs, with testing estimated at ₹100 to ₹150 compared to up to ₹15,000 for existing methods.

The announcement came shortly after World Haemophilia Day on April 17, highlighting the potential impact these innovations may have on timely diagnosis and treatment. Haemophilia, a disorder affecting blood clotting, currently sees around 26,000 registered patients in India; however, experts estimate the actual number could be close to 100,000, indicating many cases remain undiagnosed.

The newly introduced tests include a rapid assay for detecting Factor VIII inhibitors, a latex agglutination-based test to identify Factor VIII antibodies, and a point-of-care test measuring levels of Emicizumab, a drug used in haemophilia treatment. These diagnostic tools are designed to be extended beyond major hospitals, potentially reaching primary healthcare centres and increasing access for patients in remote or underserved areas.

Timely identification of haemophilia and associated inhibitors is critical, as approximately 25 to 30 percent of patients develop inhibitors that complicate treatment. Early diagnosis enables clinicians to initiate appropriate interventions swiftly, thereby reducing the risk of severe bleeding and other complications.

Dr. Shrimati Shetty, part of the research team, emphasized the challenges India faces due to a shortage of coagulation laboratories and the complexity involved in maintaining them. She highlighted that the rapid tests could make haemophilia screening more accessible across diverse healthcare settings.

The research underpinning these tests demonstrates strong performance metrics, with one point-of-care assay exhibiting 93 percent sensitivity and 99 percent specificity. The findings are slated for publication in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. The development of these techniques has received support from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Department of Biotechnology, with all three tests currently under provisional patent applications.

Samir Somaiya, chairman of the KJ Somaiya Medical Trust, noted that the Somaiya Ayurvihar facility aims to become an integrated life sciences hub, focusing extensively on cancer and blood disorder treatment through coordinated efforts in bone marrow transplantation, clinical research, and ongoing innovation.