Testing for malaria infection typically involves a blood draw, which isn't always safe or feasible in resource-poor nations hit hardest by the disease Now, a new technology called Cytophone uses a combo of ultrasound and lasers to detect malaria-linked changes in blood through the skin The device needs further refinement, but could be a 'game changer' in the global battle against malaria THURSDAY, Oct. 31, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Scans using lasers and ultrasound can pick up signs of a malaria infection through the skin, without the need for a blood draw, Yale researchers report. The technology, called Cytophone, could be a real boon for developing countries where access to labs for blood tests isn't always available.
According to a Yale news release, the researchers believe Cytophone "could dramatically alter the global malaria testing landscape by providing reliable, safe and sensitive testing to low- and middle-income countries that have been plagued by the deadly mosquito-borne disease." Malaria remains a potent global health threat. According to the researchers, over 250 million cases of the illness arise each year and over 600,000 people will die from malaria annually.
At highest risk of death are children and pregnant women. Testing blood for the presence of the malaria parasite, , is currently the only way to confirm a diagnosis. But there are various reasons why blood tests can be tough to carry out in resource-poor areas.
The new technology uses targeted lasers and.