Sticker on Skin Diagnoses Cystic Fibrosis in Real-time

"Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a sticker that can measure chloride levels in sweat in real-time through a simple color change. The sticker is applied to the skin and wicks sweat inside itself through a set of microfluidic channels, where an onboard bioassay measures chloride levels, a marker of cystic fibrosis. The technology may end up simplifying cystic fibrosis diagnosis in newborns.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by a malfunctioning chloride channel in epithelial cells. It typically results in very thick mucus in the airways, leading to serious breathing issues and infections, and it can also affect the digestive system. Early diagnosis is important, as patients can suffer malnourishment if they do not receive appropriate treatment soon after birth.
At present, diagnosis involves a heel prick test, and if this reveals an abnormality then clinicians place a bulky “sweat collector” bracelet around the child’s wrist, to perform a lab analysis of sweat chloride levels. In theory, the device should be able to collect enough sweat for analysis within about 30 minutes, but it often can’t.
“Some parents bring their baby in for testing and are sent home without a confirmed result because the device was unable to collect enough sweat,” said Susanna McColley, a researcher involved in the study, via a press release. “They go home, without knowing if their baby has a serious disease or not, and their baby cannot yet start treatment. It can be agonizing.”..." Lire la suite