This “Affordable” Device Detects Cancer with a Drop of Blood

9th November 2024

1 minute read

This "Affordable" Device Detects Cancer with a Drop of Blood

A research team at the University of Texas at El Paso has developed a new low-cost device capable of accurately detecting early-stage cancer in just one hour.

The “PiPP” device uses paper similar to coffee filters, encased in a plastic frame, creating an effective and affordable testing platform that enables detection of cancer markers in blood at concentrations lower than traditional methods.

According to the “New York Post,” the device uses a single drop of blood to detect carcinoembryonic antigens (CEA) and prostate-specific antigens (PSA), which are markers associated with colorectal and prostate cancers.

Thanks to its high sensitivity, the “PiPP” can detect these markers in the early stages of the disease, outperforming current tools by up to 10 times in precision.

Professor Shuo-Jun Li, the lead researcher, confirmed that the device is both low-cost and accurate, making it suitable for widespread use without income-based restrictions. The team also mentioned that the device is portable and easy to use, allowing it to be utilized in various settings.

This innovation aligns with studies warning of rising cancer risks among Generation X, where early diagnosis is key to effective treatment response.

The “PiPP” not only offers early diagnosis but also delivers results within an hour, compared to the 16 hours required by traditional tests, and results can be read via a smartphone.

Although “PiPP” shows promising potential, it will undergo clinical trials to verify its effectiveness and safety before being marketed.