The World Health Organization has published a list of 15 innovative medical devices that address global health concerns.

The devices, listed on the WHO website (http://www.who.int/en/), were chosen by a team of external experts as likely to be accessible, appropriate and affordable for use in low- and middle-income countries.

The innovations chosen fall into two categories. Eight products have been or are ready to be commercialised:

• Stool sample collection and preparation kit to simplify faecal examination by reducing the number of consumables and steps required.

• LED phototherapy unit to treat hyperbilirubinaemia in newborn infants.

• System for on-site production of wound irrigation solution using a power source, demineralised water and salt.

• Text message smoking cessation system to provide tailored support.

• Reusable neonatal suction system to remove obstructive mucus from the air passages in newborn babies.

• Fluorescence visualisation system for cancer screening, using the natural fluorescence of mucosal tissues under violet/blue light.

• Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement system, an alternative to blood sample analysis for the diagnosis of hyperbilirubinaemia in newborn babies.

• Isothermal nucleic acid amplification system for tuberculosis diagnosis, a point-of-care alternative to sputum smear microscopy.

Another seven products are not yet commercialisable, including products under development:

• Simplified anaesthesia unit for surgical use in low-resource settings.

• Single-use assistive vaginal delivery system to assist child extraction in prolonged labour.

• Portable on-site cell sorter and counter for HIV and malaria diagnosis, allowing rapid automated screening of a blood sample.

• Decision support system for paediatric HIV, ensuring easy and reliable access to patient information.

• Transcutaneous anaemia monitoring system to screen rapidly for insufficient levels of haemoglobin in the blood.

• Solar-powered autoclave to sterilise medical instruments.

• Portable infant warmer to improve the care of premature and low-birth-weight babies by preventing hypothermia.