Painless Laser Tissue Analysis Could Replace X-Rays Within Five Years

Both painless and portable, laser devices could use Raman spectrometry to check blood glucose levels in diabetics without drawing in blood. This same test could also diagnosis tumors, tooth decay, and high cholesterol levels without drawing blood. How could lasers affectively diagnosis a condition?

Raman spectrometry is already used in chemistry, pharmaceutical research, and cadaver analysis, thus increasing its reliability. This spectrometry identifies molecules based on their wavelengths and intensity of laser light scattered after the light passes through. Consequent to this effectiveness, a person’s tissue could be analyzed based on its chemical makeup within tissue. The best part—the tissue would not need to be extracted from the person for analysis. Consequently, this technique is also noninvasive. These lasers could also test to see if a breast tissue growth is malignant or benign, thus replacing the need for a biopsy.

This discovery does not only benefit the patients. In fact, the advance could save money and man hours because it could replace the need of battery that other diagnostics require and the lab work time would also decrease significantly.

I am extremely happy to know about this Raman spectroscopy possibility because I am not a huge fan of needles. For example, this Raman spectroscopy technique could save all us from having blood drawn for a cholesterol test in the future. Furthermore, I realize the importance of reducing radiation dose, and this test could in fact eliminate the need for X-rays. After seeing a few patients undergo a biopsy this summer, I can passionately advocate further research immediately. One of the patients had to have a double biopsy. Since the patient lies face down in the procedure her body weight on the first operated on breast caused it to continue to bleed. Only after both procedures were done did the doctors realize this occurrence. Ultimately she had to lie on her back while doctors applied pressure to the wounds. So not only did she have to worry about having cancer, she had to see herself covered in blood and then lay there awake while doctors treated the bleeding. If fewer women have to uncomfortably lie on that operating table to see if they have malignant cancer then the development of this technique should be worked on day and night!

http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2010-09/painless-non-invasive-lasers-could-replace-x-ray-needles-five-years

Clay Dillow – September 27, 2010

Leanne Kristek, VTPP 434-501