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Drop of Blood Reveals Anemia and Sickle Cell Status
27 Oct
Summary
- A novel device screens anemia and sickle cell using blood smear length.
- The low-cost test requires basic equipment like a pipette and slides.
- This innovation aids diagnosis where labs are hard to access.
Scientists have devised an innovative, low-cost method to screen for anemia and sickle cell disease through a simple blood test. This technique utilizes an automated smearing device to create a blood smear on a glass slide, measuring its length to infer blood viscosity.
The principle behind this diagnostic approach is that altered blood properties in anemia and sickle cell disease affect how the blood spreads. A shorter smear indicates higher viscosity, which can correlate with these conditions. This method requires minimal equipment: a pipette, slides, an inexpensive chemical, and a ruler or imaging device.
This technology holds significant promise for regions with limited access to conventional diagnostic laboratories. Its ease of use and low cost make it particularly valuable in such settings, as highlighted by the research team.
The device's technology has been licensed to Rheoheme Private Limited, an IIT Bombay startup. The team is collaborating with the National Institute for Research in Tribal Health and AIIMS Nagpur for regulatory approval. Future applications may include measuring blood clotting time and glucose levels.
