The Q-POC machine, costing 500 pounds, can micro-analyse tumours and the genetic signatures of the disease before advising on the best type of drugs to use.
Using his garage in Uckfield, East Sussex, as a makeshift laboratory, 37-year-old Jonathan O'Halloran hit on the ground-breaking idea of releasing DNA within a barely visible sample and making multiple copies to allow an accurate diagnosis, whether cancer mutations exist and which oncology drugs will work best.
The first prototypes are in advanced trials and experts say they have the potential to prolong the lives of newly-diagnosed cancer sufferers and save the lives of millions with infectious diseases.
"We are using the device to extract, amplify and analyse DNA from tumours or other samples to make sure the patient gets a personalised service as soon as possible," said O'Halloran.
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"We see this working alongside histopathologists and clinical oncologists to provide the missing link - a personalised service for cancer sufferers.
The invention is being developed by British company QuantuMDx Group in partnership with Newcastle University.