New Device may Help in Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer

Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer could be cheaper and faster thanks to a new device being developed by researchers at University of Washington.

The researchers revealed that the device relies on fluid transport, rather than human hands, to conduct the basic steps of processing a biopsy. The device is made up of silicon and is no bigger than a credit card.

It makes use of the properties of microfluidics, by which tissue pass through tiny channels without the need for a lot external force, and performs a series of steps that replicate what happens on a much larger scale in a pathology lab.

"This new process is expected to help the pathologist make a more rapid diagnosis and be able to determine more accurately how invasive the cancer has become, leading to improved prognosis", UW research professor of mechanical engineering, Eric Seibel said.


Source: Medindia