New Low-Cost TestThat Detects Cystic Fibrosis

Edward Withrow

Background

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects thelungs; however, it can also cause damage to otherorgans in the body like the liver and kidneys. At the moment doctors do not have a cure for thedisorder. Today's early detection methods are one of thereasons why people with cystic fibrosis live longerthan they did in the past.

New Low-Cost Test

Scientists have recently developed a new low-costtest for cystic fibrosis. The two most popular ways to test for the disorderare genetic and sweat tests. Genetic tests can bevery expensive.The new sweat test is relatively inexpensive, and it'smore effective than previous tests. Traditional sweat tests are prone to human error,but the new test decreases the chance of error.

Fluorescent Sensors

The new test uses a sensor that produces fluorescentlight. When the sensor detects chloride, though, itemits less light. Scientists compared their test with the currentsweat test and found that the new test is just asaccurate. Sometimes the older test is thrown off due to otherions that appear in sweat, but the new test doesn'thave this issue.

Hospital Trip Vs Home Test

Researchers are working on making their test evenmore efficient by giving patients the ability toconduct the test at home. The prototype involves plugging a device into acellphone. This device will detect the light change. This version of the test will save clinics anddeveloping countries a significant amount of money.Researchers hope that their test will also be used todetect other disorders that affect chloride levels likeAddison’s disease or ALS.