Medical Testing without Needles

To make the device accurate regardless of skin color or body-fat content, the researchers are gathering data from 100 subjects representing five ethnic groups: African-American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, and Mediterranean. The final step will be to develop clinical guidelines for the measurements, so doctors will know the significance of the readings.

"Once complete, this device will allow chemical analysis and diagnosis without removing samples from the patient. It will be useful for monitoring surgery patients, assessing severity of traumatic injury, and evaluating injuries in space,” said Dr. Babs Soller, researcher on the US National Space Biomedical Research Institute's smart medical systems team (Houston, TX, USA).

Since the technology is being designed to meet the lightweight, low-power and portable requirements of space, it will also be useful in ambulances, helicopters, and emergency rooms, says the team.





Related Links:
National Space Biomedical Research Institute