Scientists Develop Sweat-Based Testing To Replace Needle Blood Draws

Researchers are developing sweat analysis as a painless alternative to blood tests for detecting diseases including diabetes, Parkinson’s, and cancer. A new study shows sweat samples are easier to process than blood or urine, containing fewer interfering substances. Scientists can now identify hundreds of compounds in sweat using advanced methods like mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. For diabetes patients who traditionally prick fingers multiple times daily, sweat glucose monitoring showed strong correlation with blood glucose levels in seven diabetic individuals. Another study analyzing 100 Parkinson’s cases achieved 84.4% accuracy identifying the disease through gaseous chemicals. Modern wearable biosensors use microfluidic technology and electrical stimulation to collect sweat continuously, though challenges remain, including low sweat production during rest. (Story URL)