Immediate detection of urinary tract infections may soon become a reality.
Babak Shadgan, a professor in UBC's department of urologic studies, has developed a wireless, credit card-sized optical device for early diagnosis of UTIs. Shadgan and his team of researchers were able to diagnose 12 UTIs in patients using infrared beams of light to measure tissue oxygenation in the bladder wall, which is cross-compared with a measurement on a control area.
Currently, UTI diagnosis is conducted through urine samples, which are sent to specific hospital laboratories and can take up to three days to return results. Although these analyses are accurate, Shagdan said that the fast responses from the device can prevent unnecessary inflammation and pain on the part of the patient. The traditional method is also highly expensive and not always accurate, particularly in those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, the very young and those with spinal cord injury.
UTIs are some of the most common medical conditions and affect almost a third of the population. Although often considered a minor ailment, they can prove to be extremely dangerous when left untreated.
By comparing the results using the device with a control area from the patient’s thigh, Shadgan was able to detect when infections were present.
“When the infrared measurement over the bladder is significantly higher than the measurement on the control site, it may indicate inflammation of the bladder,” said Shadgan on the method of the device.
Shadgan hopes that the device, which is wireless and portable, will be able to be distributed to the most vulnerable.
“It’s a very unique technology,” said Shadgan. “This concept has been initiated for the first time here.”
Although the device will not be distributed to the general public just yet, Shadgan estimates that the average cost, were it to be distributed widely, would be in the range of $200 to $300.
“It’s not for the normal population,” he said. “We’re suggesting perhaps those more at risk will have their own device because it will be able to prevent the infection in its early stages, perhaps if they monitor themselves on a daily basis.”
According to Shadgan, the device will not be able to cure any infection or register any prescriptions, but will catch the infection in its earliest stages and prevent unnecessary discomfort in patients.
“If you do the standard tests, it can take more time and can lead to serious complications,” said Shadgan.
Shadgan and his team are hoping to further develop the device to become even more user-friendly in future years.
“This is a brand-new device system,” said Shadgan. “UBC is a pioneer in using this technology.”
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