Qloudlab have patented technology that will allow you to test your blood in less than a minute, using the screen of your smartphone. Could this lead to the future of blood testing?

Many people who rely on anticoagulants to prevent blood clot formation have to make regular trips to the hospital for monitoring. There are currently self-monitoring devices for those with diabetes to measure blood sugar levels, but only recently have products hit the shelves for those who require anticoagulants.

Qloudlab have gone one step further and have developed a portable blood test to overcome this, also freeing up medical professionals time too. This test uses the properties of a smartphones touch screen to detect disruptions in the electric field by adding a small single-use film to the screen.

However, its still a blood test and the user needs to prick their finger to allow a drop of blood to enter the film by capillary action. This then comes into contact with a molecule that initiates coagulation. Any disruption produced in the electric field  when the blood coagulates is then analysed and interpreted by an app.

This device is not only effective and convenient but can also reduce the need for hospital trips, as the data can be sent to a doctor directly through the app. In addition, the test will look to improve the quality of life for those taking anticoagulants by helping to get their treatment right.

Smartphones are becoming central to improving our health where technology such as activity trackers and posture monitors are already on the market. Although this product is still in the development stages, any technology that looks to improve quality of life and reduce hospital time is great in my books and hopefully this technology can be applied to self-measurement for other conditions too.

Adie Blanchard – Researcher

Sources

www.qloudlab.com

http://phys.org/news/2014-03-blood-screen-cellphone.html