Mobile-based technology helps home blood tests

Scientists have developed a new mobile-based blood test technology that can provide instant results in the comfort of your home or doctor's office.

Researchers at the University of South Florida in the US have created a mobile version of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA), incorporating the gold standard technique used to detect the presence of a certain antibodies or antigens in the blood.

Instead of taking patients to the lab, the new mobile phone technology allows similar trials at doctors' offices, clinics or even in remote areas. "ELISA is an important technology for biochemical analysis of proteins and hormones and is essential for diagnosing many diseases such as HIV and Lyme disease," said Anna Pyayt, a professor at the University of South Florida.

"MELISA allows patients to undergo testing and achieve results at the care site," said Pyayt, author of the study published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics.

The enzyme immunosorbent test device (MELISA) accurately measures progesterone levels, a major hormone that affects women's fertility and is a sign of some cancers. MELISA includes a heating unit for blood samples at the right temperature and then analyzing them via mobile phone images. It uses color analysis technology to identify the RGB (red, blue) color components of each blood sample.

Pyayt said: "It is designed to carry out simple and affordable biological tests. This low cost trial can be integrated with periodic visits, which will improve. quality health care and timely detection of worrisome signs earlier MELISA devices weigh only 1 pound (0.45kg), helping elderly patients with chronic diseases and people around the world easy to easy to use ".