Researchers from two universities have utilized additive manufacturing to allow the diagnosis of parasitic infections utilizing smartphones. The researchers come from the University of Glasgow and the University of Granada.
The program can make automated and precise analysis of the Trypanosomatid species. This is by using a specifically created Android-based software process through the rear camera of the smartphone.
Trypanosomatids are fungi liable for several illnesses in livestock and humans. This diagnosis can be performed on the mobile phone utilizing an additively manufactured plastic accessory. The accessory connects to the smartphone camera and offers regulated lighting and fixed specimen positioning.
Through the development of an accessible and cheap technique for diagnosing these diseases, the experts expect more. They expect that it may be used in remote places of or growing countries that have restricted access to sources like tools. In the study paper posted by IEEE Access, the authors said the following:
“Its simplicity and reliable performance mean it can be used in remote, limited-resource settings by relatively unskilled technicians/nurses, where diagnostic laboratories are sparsely distributed. the results can, however, be sent easily via the smartphone to medical experts as well as government health agencies.”
The experts state that smartphones are great, convenient, and user-friendly machines. They also state that smartphones may significantly improve medical and animal well-being diagnostic capabilities. This is especially in environments with inadequate supplies.
Their capacity to instantly convey data can as well be supported for a quick change of analysis outcomes to health care personnel. This allows the diagnosis of illnesses in places minus the infrastructure to back quick analysis.
The study team also said that smartphone cameras have the ability to be utilized for colorimetric receptive assays. These are utilized to measure any test substance that is itself colored or can be reached to generate shade.
Colorimetric reactive assays can be maximized to identify illness biomarkers, and smartphones. Have been used in such apps for the detection of HIV and tuberculosis have been utilized This is as stated by the paper.
But the paper states that different circumstances may influence the authenticity of picture processing and as a dependable diagnostic device.
Also, the researchers suggest an outside accessory be utilized to make sure performance specifications are attained. This is because of tool-free techniques that may experience poor repeatability. They may also experience also standardization issues because of lack of sensor placement and reflections.
Thus, the experts chose to additively manufacture a plastic attachment as an affordable solution for offering regulated lighting and fixed representation and cell phone handling.
Apart from the 3D printed attachment, the experts group created an Android-based software application for the smartphone so as to try its ability to analyze millimetric colorimetric patterns.
