Analysing chem/bio-Markers in saliva using a portable optical detection platform
Coleman, Simon, Kavanagh, Andrew, Orpen, Dylan, Kim, Jung Ho, Lau, King-TongORCID: 0000-0001-7818-7010 and Diamond, DermotORCID: 0000-0003-2944-4839
(2012)
Analysing chem/bio-Markers in saliva using a portable optical detection platform.
In: 7th International Workshop in Biosignal Interpretation (BSI 2012), 2-4 July 2012, Palace Hotel, Lake Como, Italy.
Bipolar Disorder is commonly regulated using a varying dosage of Lithium carbonate and monitored by blood analysis. The proximity of the upper dosage level in blood (1.2mmol), to that of toxicity (>1.5mmol), presents a risk for patient wellbeing from overdose. The infrequency of blood testing creates a potential for overdose to occur between sampling and remain undetected. Additionally, the invasive and often painful nature of frequent blood draws has resulted in the search for alternative non-invasive techniques. One such medium is saliva and we describe the use of simple, well established, optical techniques integrated into a portable wireless device to analyze Chemical and Bio-markers present in this medium. This novel device allows for frequent, real-time monitoring of drug levels (Lithium) and patient psychological state (alpha-amylase) as well as supplementing patient assessments with their Physician and giving the patient a more personalised monitoring of their health during Lithium treatment.