PATHSAFE Onsite diagnostics
Updated 29 October 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/path-safe-onsite-diagnostics/pathsafe-onsite-diagnostics
This PATH-SAFE theme explored the use of onsite diagnostics (OSD) for the rapid detection of foodborne pathogens (FBP) outside conventional laboratory settings, complementing laboratory-based approaches developed elsewhere in the programme.
1. Overview
The advancement of rapid and accurate onsite diagnostic methods provides a real opportunity in relation to detection and control of foodborne pathogens.
The first phase of this work undertaken in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 focused on the identification of promising technologies that could be piloted for onsite testing of foodborne pathogens, including piloting selected technologies.
A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to identify technologies under development for on-site testing. This included technologies proven or presumed to be applicable in detecting targets relevant to food safety, as well as those developed for other sectors.
These technologies were assessed through a customised technology readiness level (TRL) framework with each technology assigned a TRL in combination with each in-scope pathogen or matrix.
To understand the testing requirements in real world scenarios, both “strategic” and “operational” stakeholders were mapped and engaged in focus groups and interviews.
This provided a broad perspective on on-site testing and supported identification of sectors or processes that are well-suited or not suited for portable detection technologies.
Results from the literature review and end-user study led to the shortlisting of technologies based on relative maturity and suitability for onsite use, mapped against potential applications within the food sector for deployment of the technologies.
This decision matrix allowed an evaluation of each of the shortlisted technologies in the context of specific end-user needs, and a final selection was made based on the outcome.
Two technologies were selected, validated in the laboratory and various performance criteria such as specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and reproducibility were evaluated.
The finalised methods were tested in the hands of end-users, with end-user training initially provided in a controlled environment and subsequently the end users conducted the tests themselves onsite and provided feedback.
A separate, but related piece of work was undertaken by UKHSA and 20/30 Labs to explore the possibility of repurposing rapid, Covid-19 in-field wastewater diagnostic technology for the detection of foodborne pathogens.
This work demonstrated that rapid detection of seven foodborne pathogens in wastewater is feasible using rapid Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) based technologies.
This work has demonstrated the potential utility of using onsite diagnostics as inspection tools in the foodborne disease (FBD) arena, whilst also identifying that there are no ‘ready-made’ solutions on the market that meet the specific needs of end-users but found that there are a wide variety of emerging technologies.
It has therefore become apparent that guidance for the ‘real world’ deployment of onsite diagnostics is essential. The focus of the 24/25 continuation work is to develop a set of guidelines, in particular for the use of onsite diagnostics for official controls in the food sector. End user insights and perspectives will be sought, and a case study will be developed to illustrate application of the guidelines. Needs from the policy, legislative and accreditation body perspectives will also be considered (Fera).
2. Delivery partners
Delivery partners for this work:
- Fera Science
- University of Lincoln
3. Key successes
3.1 Key successes for this work include:
- horizon scanning identified more than 65 potential onsite diagnostic technologies, which were subsequently assessed using a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework developed as part of PATH-SAFE
- two onsite diagnostic technologies successfully piloted by end users in onsite locations and key scenarios
- significant end-user engagement through the completion of an end-user study to understand community needs and to help in identifying sectors or processes that are well-studied, or not, for portable detection technologies
4. Outputs
All projects were presented at the PATH-SAFE Biosurveillance Conference on 28 and 29 February 2024 in London. Recordings, slides and posters are available on the conference webpage.
4.1 Publications
Rapid In-Field Diagnostics: Horizon Scanning and Technology Readiness Level Study With a Technology Pilot study. Published in FSA Research and Evidence in July 2026, this report reviews emerging rapid diagnostic technologies, assesses their technology readiness levels, and evaluates their potential application to foodborne pathogen surveillance through a pilot study.
On-site Diagnostics: Recommendations for Development and Deployment of On-Site diagnostics. Published in FSA Research and Evidence in July 2026, this report sets out recommendations for the development, validation and deployment of on-site diagnostic technologies for foodborne pathogen surveillance and outbreak response.