This Breathalyzer Detects the Flu according to : PC Magazine

A scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington has invented a hand-held breathalyzer that can detect the flu virus. A patient simply exhales into it once, and semiconductor sensors in the device can "isolate biomarkers associated with the flu virus and indicate whether or not the patient has the flu," the school says. It can be used by ordinary people, and may be able to detect the flu virus as well as tests done in a doctor's office. The idea is to help people get diagnosed earlier, so they can take advantage of medicine that can treat the flu in its early stages, and ultimately prevent the flu from spreading. The technology has the potential to detect other diseases in the future as well.




University of Texas Arlington"This particular breathalyzer detects flu virus infection," she continued. Why it matters to you A breathalyzer-style device capable of detecting flu in its early stages will no doubt help keep people from infecting others. Good news: That is precisely what researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington have created with a prototype breathalyzer-style device capable of detecting flu in its early stages. The specific biomarkers the breathalyzer looks for include traces of nitric oxide and ammonia, both of which can be measured using smart sensors. In most cases, you have no idea you're infected with it until you start to show symptoms — and by that point, it's too late.

Use This Breathalyzer To Detect the Flu

It can also detect other diseases, like the Ebola virus, "simply by changing the sensors," she added. Just in time for flu season, a scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington invented a hand-held breath monitor that can identify the contagious disease. Professor Perena Gouma's sensing device takes cues from alcohol-exposing breathalyzers and household carbon monoxide detectors. A patient simply exhales once into the device, and inexpensive sensors (below) "isolate biomarkers associated with the flu virus and indicate whether or not" the user is infected, according to UTA. Gouma's development … has implications far beyond the laboratory," Stathis Meletis, chair of UTA's Materials Science and Engineering Department, said.



collected by :Lucy William
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