Skin Patch Uses Sweat to Analyze Health

Researchers from Northwestern University in Illinois developed a skin patch that uses sweat to monitor health conditions. The patch is a wearable device that has the size and shape of a dollar coin. It collects sweat through holes on its underside. Sensors inside the patch analyze chemicals, like glucose or sugar, and biological signs, like hydration levels and sweat acidity. The patch then wirelessly transmits its diagnosis to a smartphone. Many similar devices have been developed before, but the patch is considered an improvement. Other health trackers are large, bulky, and battery-operated. The patch, on the other hand, is light, comfortable, and battery-free. In addition, it is waterproof, which means swimmers can wear it to monitor their performance. Currently, a diagnosis also requires drawing blood using a needle, but using the patch can make it noninvasive. Even though the patch is an improved health tracker, it still cannot be used to diagnose every health issue since it relies only on sweat. The patch was primarily made for athletes and people who keep tabs on their fitness and health. Nonetheless, the researchers are planning to expand its use into medical applications. In fact, the researchers are currently testing the technology at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. The patches are used to examine the condition of patients with cystic fibrosis [SIS-tik fahy-BROH-sis], a rare lung disorder that manifests in chloride concentrations found in sweat. The researchers are hopeful that the device could pave the way for noninvasive methods in diagnosing diseases in the future.