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About Us: Innovating Solutions, Changing Lives
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At Rapid Medical Diagnostics, our focus is on improving how neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), like schistosomiasis, are diagnosed and managed. With a strong foundation in research and a commitment to global health, we’re working to address a disease that continues to impact over 200 million people worldwide.
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Introducing POC-CCA3: A New Generation in Diagnosing Schistosomiasis
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 We are thrilled to announce the launch of the POC-CCA3 Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT), a continued advancement in the detection of schistosomiasis. Building on the success of earlier versions, this next-generation RDT represents a leap forward in batch consistency and availability. Innovating and making the POC-CCA3 available is possible only through valuable partnerships with Mondial Diagnostics EASE-Landcent, whose collaboration has been instrumental in bringing the POC-CCA3 to life, and to those who need it.
Interested in learning more about the POC-CCA3? Please visit the new website here.
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About the POC-CCA3
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The POC-CCA (Point-of-Care Circulating Cathodic Antigen) cassette test is designed for the qualitative detection of active Schistosoma infections, particularly S. mansoni, but also other species such as S. haematobium and S. japonicum. Traditionally the test is used primarily in Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programs, especially with school-aged children, though it can also be used in test & treat settings for patients exhibiting clinical signs and symptoms indicative of a Bilharzia schistosomiasis infection. In general, some mid to high-level S. haematobium infections can also be dectected using the urine CCA strip, though sensitivity has been shown to vary significantly across different geographic areas.
Some of the features to expect include:
- High Sensitivity: Our test is adept at identifying low-intensity infections of S. Mansoni, ensuring high detection rates.
- Speed: With results available in just 20 minutes, the POC-CCA3 is as fast as ever, empowering healthcare providers to act immediately.
- Non-Invasive: Utilizing a simple urine sample, the test remains a highly patient-friendly solution, ideal for both fieldwork and clinical settings.
- Improved batch-to-batch consistency: The POC-CCA3 offers unmatched consistency between batches, ensuring consistent performance across all projects, in all areas of operation.
Unlike the traditional Kato-Katz method, which requires multiple stool samples and microscopic examination for parasite eggs, the POC-CCA test uses a single urine sample to detect circulating antigens released by adult worms, indicative of an active Schistosoma infection.
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Our Fight Against Schistosomiasis
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Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is an enduring challenge for millions in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America. We are passionate about reducing the burden of this disease, which disproportionately impacts children and underserved communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
We believe that early detection is key to combating schistosomiasis effectively. That’s why we focus on developing cutting-edge diagnostic tools that empower health workers, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen public health systems in vulnerable regions.
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Our Vision for the Future
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Innovation drives progress, and the POC-CCA3 RDT represents a meaningful step forward in the fight against schistosomiasis. It’s not just a diagnostic tool—it’s part of a broader effort to improve health outcomes for millions.
Our work continues through ongoing research, development, and collaboration with partners around the world. Together, we aim to make schistosomiasis a disease of the past and support healthier communities everywhere.
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Technical history
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Since 1978, research at the Department of Parasitology of the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in Leiden, The Netherlands, led by Prof. Deelder and colleagues, has focused on improving the diagnosis of schistosomiasis through assays detecting circulating antigens—both CCA and Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA). Initially using polyclonal antibodies, the department developed specific monoclonal antibodies in the 1980s, resulting in widely adopted and highly optimized ELISA systems.
Since the early 2000s, these ELISAs have been further refined and converted into a monoclonal antibody-based lateral flow assay (developed by Dr. van Dam and colleagues), allowing CCA detection from a single drop of urine with high sensitivity and specificity. This assay, originally used primarily for research, now serves as the basis for the current point-of-care (POC) CCA tests.
Rapid Medical Diagnostics (RMD) was initially established to market and sell test strips for detecting Bilharzia (Schistosoma) antigens in urine. In 2008 RMD acquired worldwide exclusive rights to the monoclonal antibodies. RMD was licenced to use the monoclonal antibodies for commercial development, production, sales, and distribution. In 2017, for several reasons including significant regulatory changes, RMD signed an agreement and licensed ICT Diagnostics to manufacture, sell, and distribute the test under the ICT brand. While RMD continued in an advisory role, overall responsibility shifted to ICT.
As the focus shifted to individual diagnosis and eradication, field and user requirements became more stringent, necessitating test improvements. In later years, complaints emerged regarding increased intra- and inter-batch variation in tests produced by the manufacturer. By the end of 2018, a final decision was made to develop a new version of the test. Following extensive discussions among LUMC, Mondial Diagnostics, RMD, and ICT, it was agreed that Mondial Diagnostics would lead the development of the improved version. Mondial Diagnostics began development in 2020 and delivered Version 3 of the POC-CCA test in 2024.
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News Corner |
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16-06-2025
POC-CCA GENERATION 3 IS HERE
We proudly announce the launch of the POC-CCA3 Rapid Diagnostic Test, an updated tool offering high sensitivity, batch consistency, and swift results to combat schistosomiasis worldwide, made possible through collaboration between Mondial Diagnostics and EASE-Landcent. Information available here.
15/02/2019
LATEST INDEPENDANT PUBLICATIONS
The updated list of independent publications are now available under publications.
13/12/2018
UPDATED TECHNICAL BROCHURE
The updated technical brochure is now available under products.
30/11/2014
NEW PRICING STRUCTURE
We have managed to reduce our prices even further. Our new pricing structure is available with significant reductions for large volume orders.
09/07/2009
LAUNCH OF NEW PRICING STRUCTURE
We are excited to introduce our new pricing structure and believe that it will greatly reduce the cost of bilharzia diagnosis.
05/06/2009
OLD CARBON TESTS DISCONTINUED
We have decided to discontinue the distribution of the original carbon test strip in favour of the new POC test. The reasons for this is purely market related.
30/09/2008
NEW CASETTE BASED TEST STRIP AVAILABLE
Our new, rapid and user friendly cassette based test strip for Bilharzia (Schistosoma) antigen detection in urine is now available. This point of care test strip is ideally suited to field conditions and does not require laboratory facilities.
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