Revolutionizing Healthcare: Non-Invasive Blood Viscosity Measurement with Ultrasound Technology
The Hidden Metric of Health: Blood Viscosity
For decades, healthcare professionals have focused on vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels to assess a patient's well-being. However, a groundbreaking study from the University of Missouri introduces a new perspective: the significance of blood viscosity. Blood viscosity, or its thickness and stickiness as it flows through the body, has been linked to several major health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke. This overlooked metric could be a game-changer in healthcare.
Unveiling the Innovation: Non-Invasive Ultrasound Technology
Nilesh Salvi, a research scientist at the University of Missouri, and his team have developed a novel ultrasound technology that can measure blood viscosity non-invasively and in real-time. The device uses ultrasound waves to gently vibrate the blood, sending a steady sound wave through it while simultaneously sensing its response. This innovative approach is complemented by advanced software that analyzes the sound's movement through the body, providing accurate measurements of both blood density and viscosity.
From Engines to Health: A Multifaceted Invention
The technology's origins lie outside the medical field. Salvi, who holds a master's degree and Ph.D. in engineering, initially designed the system to monitor oil quality in engines. He later founded a startup to develop real-time engine lubricant sensors. With the guidance of his mentor, Jinglu Tan, a professor of chemical and biomedical engineering, Salvi explored the potential of this technology for biological fluids, leading to its adaptation for medical applications.
Medical Potential and Impact
William Fay, a professor of medical pharmacology and physiology, recognized the technology's potential in healthcare. Blood viscosity measurement has traditionally been challenging, requiring specialized lab equipment that most hospitals lack. The Mizzou device, however, measures viscosity inside the body, providing a more accurate representation of its natural behavior. This approach could revolutionize the management of diseases like sickle cell anemia, where irregular blood cell shapes increase viscosity, threatening organ health.
A New Era of Healthcare Monitoring
The researchers are optimistic about the technology's future, aiming to make blood viscosity a standard vital sign. The software-based invention can operate on inexpensive hardware and be built with readily available parts, making it affordable and portable. This could lead to wearable health technology, offering continuous monitoring of blood viscosity and potentially transforming our understanding of blood flow and disease progression.
