Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) have developed a rapid diagnostic test that measures ferritin, the gold-standard biomarker for iron deficiency, using a finger-prick blood sample. The test delivers results in approximately 15 minutes at the point of care and is designed to be administered by a broad range of health care professionals without dedicated laboratory training.
Iron deficiency is one of the world's most common nutritional disorders, affecting millions of women and children globally, yet diagnosing it remains difficult in many low-resource settings where access to laboratories and trained personnel is limited. Current screening in these areas often relies on hemoglobin measurement, which identifies anemia but cannot confirm iron deficiency before it progresses to anemia.
The WEHI test provides a clear visual reference at the clinically important ferritin threshold of 30 ng/mL, closely matching the accuracy of standard laboratory ferritin measurements. This reliability means a follow-up venous blood test may not be necessary, potentially improving access to timely diagnosis and treatment in remote areas.
Dr. Emily Eriksson, who co-led the research team, said the diagnostic could become a scalable solution for countries where access to laboratory testing and iron infusions is limited, helping close a health inequity gap. Dr. Ricardo Ataide, who will lead field validation, emphasized that directly identifying low ferritin levels enables clinicians to detect iron deficiency even when hemoglobin levels appear normal.
The test is expected to support maternal health programs in resource-limited settings. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of maternal anemia and is linked to complications including preterm birth, restricted fetal growth, and low birth weight. A 2025 trial led by WEHI and the Training Research Unit of Excellence in Malawi found that a single iron infusion in the third trimester significantly reduces iron-deficient anemia in pregnant women; the new test could identify who would benefit most from such treatment.
The diagnostic is being contract-manufactured under international industry standards before deployment in Malawi and Kenya to demonstrate real-world performance and generate evidence for regulatory approval and global distribution. The project is co-developed by Professor David Anderson and Huy Van.
Researchers note that while other rapid ferritin tests exist, this test was specifically designed for the 30 ng/mL threshold and for use by health workers with minimal training. Field validation in Malawi and Kenya will assess real-world accuracy, usability, and implementation pathways.
Uncertainties remain regarding the test's performance across diverse populations and environmental conditions, its cost at scale, and the timeline for regulatory approvals in multiple jurisdictions. The current evidence is based on laboratory validation; real-world effectiveness data from the upcoming deployments are pending.
New rapid test could transform iron treatment worldwide
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