What tests are needed and how long does it take to prove that a scientist’s invention would benefit patients?

Question: What tests are needed and how long does it take to prove that a scientist's invention would benefit patients?
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Asked by JanaSw to Michael on 20 Nov 2015.
- Michael Kyriakides answered on 20 Nov 2015:
  
  @JanaSw – Great question. For drugs, usually the process begins with cell culture work, before moving to animals and then to human testing. This can take more than 10 years, depending on the results and the urgency. For diagnostic tests, i would expect it to be faster.

Question: What tests are needed and how long does it take to prove that a scientist's invention would benefit patients?