Doctors Stunned By Mask That Detects Kidney Disease Early
A new study has introduced a potential innovation for detecting chronic kidney disease using a modified surgical mask. This mask, equipped with a specialized breath sensor, can accurately identify the presence of kidney disease by analyzing gases in a person’s breath. The research, published on May 7 in ACS Sensors, shows promise in improving the management of chronic kidney disease by providing early detection of changes in disease progression.
The technology works by detecting elevated levels of ammonia and other gases that are typically present in the breath of individuals with kidney disease. Since kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste from the body, impaired kidney function leads to the accumulation of waste products, including ammonia, which can be detected in the breath. This could be particularly useful, as up to 35 million Americans are affected by chronic kidney disease, with many more possibly unaware they have it.
For the study, researchers developed a breath sensor using silver electrodes coated with specific polymers to detect these gases. The mask was tested on 100 individuals, including those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The results showed that the mask was able to identify kidney disease correctly 84% of the time, while it correctly ruled out the condition 88% of the time.
In addition to detecting kidney disease, the data gathered from the sensor could potentially be used to determine the stage of the disease, which would be valuable for diagnosis and treatment planning. Researchers believe this technology could be a game-changer for early detection and ongoing monitoring of kidney disease.
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