We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Combined Spectroscopy System Rapidly Scans Skin Lesions for Cancer Signs

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 18 Aug 2014
Print article
Image: The photo on the left shows the entire three-in-one spectroscopy system on an easily transportable utility cart. The right photo is a close-up of the probe (Photo courtesy of the University of Texas, Austin).
Image: The photo on the left shows the entire three-in-one spectroscopy system on an easily transportable utility cart. The right photo is a close-up of the probe (Photo courtesy of the University of Texas, Austin).
A team of biomedical engineers has designed an instrument for the rapid diagnosis of skin cancer that does not rely on examination of biopsy specimens.

Skin cancer is detected currently by examining biopsy specimens. However, statistics suggest that for every case of skin cancer detected there are roughly 25 negative biopsies performed. To correct this situation, investigators at the University of Texas, Austin (USA) combined three advanced spectroscopy instruments into a single tool for scanning skin lesions and detecting changes in the way that skin tissues interact with light when normal skin becomes cancerous with enlarged cell nuclei and disorganization of the uppermost layers of the skin.

The multimodal spectroscopy (MMS) device characterizes the tissue microenvironment via morphological changes observed through DRS (diffuse reflectance spectroscopy) and biochemical information via RS (Raman spectroscopy) and LIFS (laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy).

The DRS measurement is a function of tissue scattering and absorption properties, which in turn are dependent upon tissue morphological changes. Therefore, analysis yields information about tissue blood fraction, oxygen saturation, tissue scattering coefficient, nuclear morphology, and collagen structure. LIFS is biochemically sensitive, as it interrogates endogenous fluorophores such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and collagen. Their fluorescence levels change with cancer progression that is associated with altered cellular metabolic pathways (NADH, FAD) or an altered structural tissue matrix (collagen). Raman spectroscopy exploits the inelastic scattering (so-called “Raman” scattering) phenomena to detect spectral signatures of important disease progression biomarkers, including lipids, proteins, and amino acids.

The spectroscopic and computer equipment required by the system fits onto a portable utility cart, and the probe is about the size of a pen. Each reading takes about 4.5 seconds to perform.

"Skin is a natural organ to apply imaging and spectroscopy devices to because of its easy access," said senior author Dr. James W. Tunnell, associate professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Texas, Austin. Most devices have been at the research stage for the last 10 years or so, but several are now undergoing clinical development. This probe that is able to combine all three spectral modalities is the next critical step to translating spectroscopic technology to the clinic."

A detailed description of the MMS device was published in the August 5, 2014, online edition of the journal Review of Scientific Instruments.

Related Links:
University of Texas, Austin

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Systemic Autoimmune Testing Assay
BioPlex 2200 ANA Screen with MDSS

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.