Breakthrough in Women’s Health Monitoring
Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a pioneering device called MenstruAI, a wearable technology that can quickly and non-invasively detect vital health markers in menstrual blood. This innovative device has the potential to revolutionize women’s healthcare by providing an affordable and accessible method for health monitoring.
The MenstruAI device uses a lateral flow assay (LFA) platform, a simple and cost-effective diagnostic tool that detects specific biomarkers in menstrual blood. The technology focuses on three key biomarkers relevant to women’s health: C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of infection and inflammation; CEA, associated with gynecological cancers; and CA-125, linked to endometriosis.
When a biomarker in the menstrual blood comes into contact with a specific antibody on the test strip, a colored indicator appears. The intensity of the color corresponds to the concentration of the biomarker, allowing users to interpret the results visually or through a specially designed app.
The researchers emphasize that MenstruAI is not intended to replace existing diagnostic tests but rather serve as an “early warning system” for potential health issues. This technology has the potential to destigmatize menstruation and promote more equitable healthcare for women.
The study, published in the journal Advanced Science, highlights the device’s ability to detect biomarkers in unprocessed menstrual blood with accuracy comparable to venous blood samples. Further testing with a larger group is planned to determine the device’s suitability for everyday use and its accuracy in real-life conditions.
