Can a Portable Biochemical Testing Device Revolutionize Disease Management?

[TheEzEzz]

Hi all, I was thinking recently about insulin testing, and whether the convenience could be extended to other hormones and biochemicals in the body. For instance the thyroid molecules T3 and T4. It seems like a device capable of testing for the level of these molecules on the fly would be extremely useful for people with thyroid disease, and other tests may prove useful for other diseases as well.

My question is, how easy would it be to create a device, similar to what diabetics use, that could test for a large array of compounds in human blood and return their concentration?

 

[alxm]

Well the difficulty depends on the molecule I suppose.

The simplest and cheapest way to determine the concentration of a biomolecule would have to be measuring IR/visual/UV absorption (or emissions) for some characteristic wavelength and use your basic Beer-Lambert law (or perhaps better, an empirical absorption-concentration curve).

The question there would be if you can identify an absorption/emission line unique to your target compound. (or at the very least, that the other compounds contributing to the absorption/emission would have relatively constant concentrations) Or you could find a reagent which, when added, would bind to your target molecule and create a characteristic line.

 

[quicknote]

I find this idea of a biochemical testing array to be quite intriguing. The use of such a device could potentially revolutionize the way we diagnose and manage various diseases. Currently, most biochemical tests are performed in a laboratory setting, which can be time-consuming and costly. Having a device that can provide real-time results for a wide range of compounds would greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostic testing.

In terms of creating such a device, it would certainly be a challenging task. The first step would be to identify and validate the specific biochemical markers that would be included in the array. This would require extensive research and collaboration with experts in various fields, including endocrinology, biochemistry, and clinical medicine.

The next step would be to develop a reliable and sensitive detection method for each of the selected compounds. This could involve the use of biosensors or other advanced technologies. It would also be important to ensure that the device is user-friendly and can be easily operated by individuals with little to no medical training.

One potential challenge in creating a biochemical testing array is the variability in the levels of these compounds in the human body. Factors such as age, gender, and underlying health conditions can affect the concentration of certain compounds. Therefore, the device would need to be highly accurate and able to account for these variables.

In conclusion, while the creation of a biochemical testing array may be a complex and challenging endeavor, I believe that the potential benefits for individuals with various diseases make it a worthy pursuit. With further research and development, I have no doubt that such a device could greatly improve the management and treatment of many health conditions.