CCI Photonics, a spin-out startup from Lancaster University, was established in June 2023. Our innovation in medical technology is driven by a dedicated team and strategic partnerships.

CCI Photonics operates at Research and Enterprise Services, Lancaster University.

We specialise in the making medical instruments and supplies, as well as conducting biotechnology research and development.

CCI Photonics Ltd is a UK-based deep-tech medical device company and a spin-out from Lancaster University.

We are dedicated to commercialising the world’s first rapid infrared diagnostic platform for the primary care market.

Supported by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay, iiCON, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, LYVA Labs and PxN Ventures, we exist to transition infectious disease diagnostics from slow, centralised laboratories to decentralized, immediate patient care at community Pharmacies and Clinics. 

 Our Partners

 The Challenge

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a compelling global healthcare crisis with estimated economic costs of over 1 trillion $ by 2050 (Poudel 2023) and the UK is not exempt with 12,000 lives lost annually (Antibiotic Research UK). Current diagnostic methods to identify bacterial infections in patients take up to 72 hours for results, meaning many patients are prescribed antibiotics based on “best guess” treatments, leading to ineffective care, increased likelihood of recurrence and contributing to the rise of AMR. 

Currently, the identification of infectious diseases relies on multiple culture media, disposable materials, and at least two microbiological techniques that require two or more processing instruments. These procedures are time-consuming, often resulting in delays of 24 to 48 hours before results are available to clinical staff. Such delays are critical when attempting to detect drug-resistant microorganisms.

This approach is becoming increasingly inadequate due to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. As a result, patients may be treated with ineffective antibiotics for up to 36 hours while awaiting laboratory results, potentially leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and a higher risk of transmitting resistant microorganisms to other patients.

To address this challenge, CCI Photonics has developed InfectiScan, a revolutionary in-vitro diagnostic device that combines infrared spectrometry with advanced artificial intelligence models. The device can detect bacterial infections in bodily fluids within just 15 minutes, providing healthcare professionals with rapid information on the bacteria present and the most appropriate antibiotics to prescribe. Initial proof-of-concept prototype tests have demonstrated promising results, achieving up to 94% accuracy in identifying and differentiating bacterial species.

 Collaboration and Clinical Validation of Prototype

CCI Photonics, in collaboration with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), developed and clinically validated a prototype device through pre-clinical testing. Supported by the UKRI Novel Technologies Grant, CCI Photonics worked alongside LSTM and the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMB) to conduct a pilot study aimed at evaluating and validating the prototype’s ability to rapidly identify urinary tract and bloodstream infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

 Our Funders