How the iPhone camera can help with simple health tests

Among the gadgets From Apple, the iPhone has sometimes served purposes that go beyond technology, often tinkering with the medical, and we have even commented on studies that used the iPhone to gauge both their blood pressure on 3D Touch and their blood pressure. , through the rear camera.

The iPhone camera was once again targeted by scientists who developed a method for obtaining health test data through a porous silicon tape that, when illuminated by the device's rear camera flash, differentiates body fluid samples. to get results from “exams”.

Like every examination, the process consists of two parts: one manual and one analysis. First, researchers at Vanderbilt University in the United States fired an iPhone SE flash and started a video recording; Three minutes after the start of recording (time required for light to stabilize), a sample is placed in front of the camera, recorded for one minute and then removed.

What happens during the recording period is somewhat similar to a mass spectrometry test, which is intended for quantitative (not qualitative) cell analysis. Thus, when inserting a particular sample into the silicon tape, it will have two reactions: keeping the original shade or darkening, indicating a possible alteration of the test.

Regarding analysis of the recorded data, the researchers plan to develop an app that can manipulate the collected data to confirm if the film has darkened due to fluid addition, as seen in the video below:

According to the research paper, to be published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this method "could replace a mass spectrometry system that costs thousands of dollars." The technology could also be used for personal safety, helping some to detect traces of hazardous substances in beverages, for example.

Presumably, the commercial use of this method for all iPhone users would require an app and, of course, the permission of the health and surveillance agencies to be distributed. However, the researchers promise to develop a unique spectrometry tool that would replace several disposable tests.

via AppleInsider