Emerging Issues in Diagnostic Technology
Liquid Biopsy for the Detection of Kidney Disease
A non-invasive urine-based test for the early diagnosis and monitoring of kidney disease has been developed by Nephrocor. The test, RenalVysion, is intended to identify and measure urinary sediment findings not detected in routine urinalysis.
According to the manufacturer, RenalVysion distinguishes specific categories of renal and bladder lesions by integrating urine cytopathology with urine chemistries. Tests currently used to diagnose and evaluate different types of kidney disease include blood and urine tests, imaging tests, and kidney biopsies.
The test is intended to assess patients with symptoms of renal injury and refine the diagnostic possibilities for patients with evidence of kidney or urinary tract disease. The test may assist in determining the need to perform a biopsy and may reduce the need for multiple biopsies.
Kidney disease often progresses silently and can destroy approximately 50% of kidney function before causing symptoms. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly increase the likelihood of delaying or preventing kidney failure.
RenalVysion
https://www.nephrocor.com/global/services/laboratory-services/renalvysion.aspx
Water Ultrasound for Breast Imaging
A new breast cancer imaging system that uses a new approach to scan the whole breast in a water tank has been developed at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit. The technology, SoftVue, measures multiple mass characteristics by combining sound speed, attenuation, and reflection images.
Computer algorithms convert the ultrasound data into a three-dimensional image. The developers of this new imaging modality claim that it enables fast (one-minute) exams and more accurate diagnosis of tumours by providing multiple diagnostic parameters in the form of fused images. Since the breast in scanned in a water bath using ultrasound waves, no discomfort is felt and exposure to potentially harmful radiation is eliminated.
The device is movable and does not require a specialized room or the support of other technologies. The only infrastructural requirement is access to water.
Karmanos Cancer Institute launches company and innovative breast imaging tool
http://www.karmanos.org/view_news.asp?id=658
Blood Test for Appendicitis Diagnosis
A new in vitro test for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis has been developed by AspenBio Pharma. The rapid assay, AppyScore, will be launched with a cassette and instrument system. Test results may be produced within 15 minutes and can be integrated into hospital laboratory information systems.
The test is designed to screen patients entering an emergency department or urgent care facility complaining of abdominal pain. The blood test’s scoring system is intended to measure the blood marker level, which will allow physicians to determine the presence and severity of appendicitis.
The device is intended to be used as an adjunctive tool for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in conjunction with additional diagnostic modalities (such as clinical exam, basic laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging). The test can aid in the ruling out of patients who do not have appendicitis, and it may be able to better discriminate between patients who require surgical intervention and those who do not.
Appendicitis can be a challenging condition to diagnose because many other conditions share similar symptoms.
AspenBio Pharma company overview; 2009.
http://www.aspenbiopharma.com/doc/AspenBioCompanyOverview.pdf
Nanoparticle Breath Test for Lung Cancer Detection
Scientists in Israel have developed a sensor made with gold nanoparticles that they claim detects lung cancer in a patient’s breath. The breath test is designed to diagnose tumours before they are visible with other screening methods.
The lung cancer biomarkers were found by comparing breath samples from 40 diagnosed patients with those of 56 healthy individuals. Forty-two lung cancer biomarkers were identified, from which four of the most reliable biomarkers were used to make a sensor array made from gold particles covered with reactive chemicals sensitive to the compound.
The developers of this technology believe it could lead to fast, cheap, and easy screening for lung cancer. Diagnosis of lung cancer currently involves a variety of tests including chest X-ray, CT (computerized tomography) scan, bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, and lung biopsy.