OTTAWA The University of Ottawa Heart Institute has developed the world's first bedside DNA test, designed to tell doctors about a patient's genes in minutes, instead of days.

Instead of sending blood to a lab and waiting for days, the nurse swabs a few cells inside the patient's mouth and sees results on the spot.

The focus so far is on one type of heart problem, but researchers say this is just the first step toward a future when a swab can tell all about your personal health.

"This one study opens the door," said Dr. Derek So, a cardiologist at the Heart Institute and co-investigator on the project.

"If there are other genes, in any area of medicine where there is a potential for diagnosis or treatment, that same technology could be applied to those genes," he said.

"It's quick and it's accurate."

Working with Spartan Bioscience, an Ottawa biotech company, they first built a design that gives results in one hour. They're now working to cut that to 30 or 45 minutes.

"That's what is revolutionary," So said.

"What they have to do (when using a genetics lab) is get a blood sample, FedEx the sample to a lab, get it to isolate the DNA, then use a machine to sequence the DNA and test it. Their turnaround time is anywhere from three to seven days at best."

That's not fast enough when a doctor has to make a decision about a patient who needs treatment now.

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Canadian-made bedside DNA test speeds treatment