Unlocking Menstrual Blood’s Diagnostic Potential
Zurich, Switzerland – Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind device, MenstruAI, capable of detecting vital health biomarkers directly from menstrual blood within sanitary towels. This innovative, electronic-free sensor technology, promises to revolutionize women’s healthcare by offering a simple, non-invasive, and affordable method for regular health monitoring.
Traditionally, menstrual blood has been largely overlooked in medical diagnostics. However, the ETH Zurich team, led by Lucas Dosnon and Professor Inge Herrmann, recognized its potential as a valuable source of health information. Indeed, it contains numerous proteins, many of which correlate with those in venous blood and serve as crucial biomarkers.
How MenstruAI Works: Simple and Smart
Essentially, MenstruAI integrates a paper-based rapid test strip into a standard sanitary towel, much like a COVID-19 self-test. Specifically, when menstrual blood containing specific biomarkers interacts with antibodies on the strip, a colored indicator appears. The color’s intensity, furthermore, directly reflects the biomarker’s concentration. Users can interpret results visually or, alternatively, for precise analysis, use a smartphone app powered by machine learning to evaluate color intensity and detect subtle protein differences.
Key Health Markers Detected
Initiall, the prototype focuses on three critical biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP) for inflammation, Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for tumor detection, and CA-125 for conditions like endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Moving forward, the team is actively exploring additional biomarkers to broaden the range of health insights.
Impact and Future Outlook
Ultimately, MenstruAI holds immense potential as an “early warning system,” empowering individuals to proactively monitor their health and determine when medical consultation is necessary. Crucially, it complements traditional diagnostics, rather than replacing them. Moreover, its affordability and non-invasive nature make it particularly promising for regions with limited healthcare access.
