Lab-on-a-chip devices offer home tests for stress and cardiac issues
The University of Cincinnati engineers have recently developed a groundbreaking device that aims to assist doctors in diagnosing depression and anxiety. This innovative “lab-on-a-chip” device is designed to measure the stress hormone cortisol from a patient’s saliva. By detecting elevated stress hormone levels, the device can provide valuable diagnostic information, even if patients do not exhibit symptoms of anxiety, stress, or depression during a standard mental health questionnaire.
Mental health disorders affect millions of people globally, with stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression being leading causes of disability. Elevated cortisol levels have been linked to various mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. To address this issue, UC researchers have created a lab-on-a-chip system that can track a patient’s cortisol levels. The system involves a disposable collection device that the patient places in their mouth, which is then inserted into a reader. The reader can transmit results within minutes to a portable analyzer and smartphone.
The research conducted by UC engineers has been published in the journal Biomedical Microdevices, highlighting the potential of this technology in revolutionizing mental health diagnostics. Dr. Chong Ahn, a distinguished research professor at the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science, emphasized the importance of point-of-care testing, which allows patients to conduct tests at home or in a clinic, avoiding invasive procedures and enabling timely interventions by healthcare providers.
The device not only utilizes traditional psychometric evaluations but also incorporates physiological biomarker measurements, providing evidence-based diagnostics for stress disorders. Patients can perform the testing themselves and share the results with doctors via smartphones, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of mental health care.
In addition to diagnosing stress-related disorders, the UC researchers are exploring the device’s potential for other health issues. For instance, they have developed a new point-of-care testing platform for monitoring troponin, a protein released into the bloodstream during heart damage, such as a heart attack. The ability to measure troponin levels from a drop of blood in a rapid and effective manner can provide crucial information for immediate medical intervention in patients experiencing cardiac events.
Furthermore, the researchers have also developed a point-of-care testing platform for COVID-19, demonstrating the versatility and potential applications of their innovative technology. Collaborating with psychiatrists and conducting clinical trials will be the next steps to validate the effectiveness of the platform in diagnosing various health conditions.
Overall, the lab-on-a-chip devices developed by the University of Cincinnati engineers represent a significant advancement in home-based diagnostics for stress-related disorders and other health issues. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly interfaces, these devices have the potential to revolutionize the field of mental health diagnostics and improve patient outcomes.
