Scientists have
developed a hand-held monitor that can potentially detect flu
virus simply with a breath of the
patient.
The device, developed
by researchers at University of Texas , is similar to the
breathalysers used to measure
alcohol levels. A patient simply exhales into the device,
which uses semiconductor sensors
like those in a household carbon monoxide detector.
The difference is that these sensors
are specific to the gas detected and can isolate
biomarkers associated with the virus and
indicate whether or not the patient has flu.
The device can help
in treatment of flu in its earliest stages. This device can also help
prevent flu epidemics from
spreading.
People who suffer
from asthma have increased nitric oxide concentration in their breath,
and acetone is a known
biomarker for diabetes and metabolic processes. When combined
with nitric oxide and
ammonia sensor, researchers found the breath monitor may detect the flu
virus. “This can be
used to detect other diseases, such as Ebola virus disease, simply by
changing the sensors,“
she said.
Source: The
Times of India
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