A subcutaneous device for testing and analyzing blood
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Swiss specialists reported that they were able to develop a unique small device capable of analyzing human blood. The uniqueness of the device lies in the fact that it implants under the skin, from where it almost instantly sends data on the blood of a person to an electronic device using bluetooth or radio waves, so that in the near future everyone will be able to receive a blood test in the form of a message on a mobile phone.
Specialists say that the device can simultaneously test up to five blood counts, among which it is necessary to measure the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, measure the average volume of blood cells, measure the level of hemoglobin concentration both in the blood and separately in erythrocytes, measure the number and average volume of thrombocytes .
Data from the device will be sent automatically via radio waves or bluetooth wireless technology to the phone, smartphone or personal computer. The inventors of the new device assume that in five years the analyzer will become available for every person who is "friendly" with technology in a little bit. Using a thin needle, the device will be implanted into the intermediate tissue under the human skin in the abdomen, the inside of the thighs or hands. The device will work continuously for 2-3 months, after which the specialists will be able to remove it or replace it if necessary.
Similar miniature devices were developed before, but now experts from Switzerland will assure that their device is the most functional. A new blood analyzer differs from the previously invented multitasking, or more precisely - the ability to simultaneously test several blood tests necessary for analysis. Prior to this, devices were developed that could only identify one indicator.
Leading specialists who developed the functionality of the device reported that the most useful device would be for the analysis of blood of patients with diabetes or oncological diseases. With the help of a hypodermic apparatus, physicians will be able to monitor the blood condition of critically ill patients, as well as monitor the effect of drugs during long-term treatment.
The doctors who tested the new device noticed that with its help it will be possible to conduct continuous and accurate monitoring of the blood parameters of the sick person. This will help get rid of ineffective or even individually intolerable treatment. The device will allow to refuse the weekly blood tests, from the questioning of patients, as all the necessary indicators of the physician will be able to see on the screen of the smartphone.
To date, the device has been successfully tested on animals and experts say that the indicators of cholesterol, hemoglobin, glucose in the blood, and the number of blood cells are true. The next stage will be testing the device on people whose treatment involves regular blood tests and close monitoring of specialists. After the testing of the device is completed, the developers are sure that many clinics will be ready to introduce new technologies and regularly use the device to treat their patients.
The inventors assume that the device will be of interest not only to physicians, but also to people who are interested in new technologies and monitor their health. One of the incredible functions of the device is that, based on blood counts, it can warn of an impending heart attack.
[