Red or yellow? A simple paper test detects false or substandard antibiotics
Tuesday, August 21, 2018 - 19:00
in Physics & Chemistry
A laboratory is putting chemistry to work on a simple, inexpensive way to identify falsified or substandard antibiotics, offering a practical solution to a very real problem. The researchers have created a paper-based test that can quickly determine whether an antibiotic sample is appropriate strength, or diluted with filler substances like baking soda. Similar to the mechanism of a home pregnancy test, a strip of paper turns a distinctive color if a falsified antibiotic is present.