A cell phone attached to a tiny plastic cup can detect how fast blood clots and has the potential to supplant the need for regular clinical testing of millions of people on blood thinners, according to researchers at the University of Washington.
The researchers put a pinprick of blood in a tiny cup along with a small copper particle. The phone’s vibration shakes the cup, and its camera detects when the particle’s movement stops, indicating formation of a blood clot. The approach is showcased in a new study Friday led by UW professor of computer science and engineering Shyamnath Gollakota.
Gollakota and his colleagues will next test the $35 blood clotting system with patients in their home and are exploring commercialization. Gollakota also co-founded Wavely Diagnostics to detect ear infection with an app and Sound Life Sciences, to monitor breathing.
