Biopeer

Diagnostic tests get fresh boost

Researchers from all over the world have formulated tests, taking diagnostics to a new high.

World Congress of Cardiology, Barcelona, witnessed the presentation of a novel device that can monitor heart patients at home. Dubbed the ‘smart shirt’, it incorporates stainless steel threads that can record an electrocardiogram and transmit it over the mobile phone network to a central monitoring center. Tests have confirmed it is as reliable as electrocardiogram machines used in hospitals.

At another conference, the 23rd International Papillomavirus Congress and Clinical Workshop, Innogenetics announced its entry into the field of diagnostics with a test for human papillomavirus. The Belgian pharmaceuticals company has developed a test to diagnose HPV genotypes including 6, 11, 16, and 18. The test, called INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping CE will be a complement to other tests like Pap smear and DNA-based HPV screening tests. The test will also aid the selection of individuals eligible for HPV vaccination. Formal CE-marking of the test is expected by October.

Meanwhile, researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute have formulated a new test to detect acetaminophen poisoning in both children and adults. The test centers around a protein compound called cysteine adducts that forms with toxic doses of acetaminophen. In a study conducted to determine its effectiveness, the test identified potential acetaminophen toxicity in eight of 64 samples from patients with liver damage of undetermined cause.

Another simple test has been developed in Niger to detect meningococcal meningitis. Two paper strips called ‘dipsticks’ dipped in the patient's spinal fluid can indicate whether one of the four groups of meningococcus is present, and if so, which one. The test is ideal for healthcare workers in remote areas as it requires neither sophisticated laboratory equipment nor refrigeration.

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Diamond-like carbon material effective in coating implants

British researchers at Brunel University have discovered that diamond-like carbon (DLC) material is effective in safely coating plastics, metals, and other natural materials used in implants. Two arthritic patients who are allergic to the chromium found in most durable knee implant components were successfully fitted with metal implants coated with DLC.

The DLC coating makes the implants more durable, and eliminates some of the friction that occurs between components. Nor does it cause blood to coagulate like other coatings can. Professor Joe Franks noted "We have developed coatings that can be used for catheters and various medical implants that go through the skin."

DLC coating also prevents "colonization of the tissue by bacteria, such as the superbug MRSA."

Over the years, many studies have been conducted on the blood compatibility of DLC as well as the effectiveness of titanium nitride films. Ideally the coatings for implants would work to reduce the risk of rejection and infection.

The surface properties on medical implants determine how they will perform and how long they will last. Teflon, a well-known non-stick coating for cookware, for example, "proved highly unsuitable as a joint replacement material."

As one scientist put it: "We are never so conscious of the penalties of material failure until it occurs in our own bodies, as it can in a replacement hip or knee joint."

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