Introduction

Non-invasive device instantly diagnoses urinary tract infections

Non-invasive device instantly diagnoses urinary tract infections

 

A wireless, credit-card sized optical device shows promise for diagnosing lower urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially in children, the elderly and people with neurological conditions.
Dr Babak Shadgan and his colleagues were able to diagnose UTI in 12 pediatric patients using the device, which sends near-infrared beams of light to measure tissue oxygenation in the bladder wall.
By comparing these results with measurements from patients’ thigh as a control site, researchers were able to determine when infections were present. The research was recently outlined in the Journal of Pediatric Urology.