Say goodbye to waiting.
A new handheld blood test may soon deliver results in as little as an hour, according to recent research. This portable device, described in a study published in Science Advances, uses sound waves to separate a small blood sample into microscopic biomarkers, allowing for rapid diagnostics. The entire process takes under 70 minutes and aims to provide precise results, according to the researchers from the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Lead researcher Wyatt Shields, along with his team, highlighted the practicality and efficiency of this new technology. Unlike traditional blood tests, which often require vials of blood and long wait times for lab results, this device uses a finger-prick sample and offers quick and accurate readings. The researchers acknowledge that while previous attempts, such as those by Theranos, failed due to unproven claims, their device is based on rigorous, peer-reviewed scientific research.
The device works by mixing the blood sample with functional negative acoustic contrast particles (FNACPs), which are designed to capture specific biomarkers. Sound waves are then used to isolate these particles from the rest of the blood sample. Lasers are employed to measure the amount of each biomarker by detecting the fluorescent tags on the particles. This innovative approach allows for the detection of biomarker levels, rather than just the presence of a single marker, as seen with rapid tests for conditions like COVID-19.
While more research is needed before the device can be widely implemented, the potential applications are significant. The test could provide rapid diagnostic information for viral infections, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions. It could also help determine if a patient needs a booster shot or carries proteins associated with certain cancers or allergies. Researchers are optimistic about the device’s future role in improving medical diagnostics.
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