Technological advances have revolutionized healthcare and have allowed the early detection of diseases. Although artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other new developments are interesting, early detection of diseases is one of the technologies that can benefit us humans the most.
This is because the sooner a disease is diagnosed, the more likely the patient will survive, as their chances increase. This field has witnessed several major technological advancements, thanks to increased connectivity driven by the Internet.
It is vital to stay up to date with the latest advances in early disease detection and prevention because new technologies emerge all the time. Therefore, in this article we will explore how some of the latest technological advances help us detect diseases early.
Liquid biopsy
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Liquid biopsy It is basically a blood test intended to detect small amounts of cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream. It also detects genetic fingerprints or DNA of cancer, tumor mutations or circulating tumor cells. Most studies have used liquid biopsies in the context of advanced cancers and stage 4 metastatic cancers. It can be used to study whether treatment is working by measuring the load of cancer cells in the bloodstream.
As another benefit of liquid biopsy, we can obtain results in one to two weeks, which is exactly what the patient needs so that the optimal treatment can be selected and started immediately. By choosing the right medication for each patient, doctors do not have to just select general chemotherapy, but can determine what is best for them.
Wearable devices and remote monitoring
Wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and biosensors continuously monitor various health parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and activity levels. These parameters can be easily controlled on smartphones. You just need reliable internet to connect your device to your smartphone and stay updated.
If you are looking for one, go for Internet Mediacom due to its stability and fast connectivity. Additionally, these wearable devices help patients track their health status and know when to contact their healthcare provider if their health status deteriorates.
In recent years, wearable devices and sensors have become increasingly available and more widely adopted by consumers. This is due to the ability to connect wirelessly for data transmission and storage. It provides scalable and cost-effective strategies for healthcare providers as they have access to patient data to facilitate clinical decisions that can result in better treatment outcomes.
Genomics and next generation sequencing (NGS)
Source: technologynetworks.com
NGS technologies have made DNA sequence faster, more accurate and cost-effective. By finding the correct order of DNA nucleotides in a genome, doctors and geneticists can detect diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and rare genetic abnormalities. It can lead to a better and longer life for cancer patients.
Additionally, over the past five years, NGS has moved from being used in research to being used in clinical practice. At least 14 countries have launched programs to sequence huge populations. By 2025, more than 60 million genomes will have been sequenced worldwide.
Imaging technologies
Medical imaging offers a non-invasive way for doctors to look inside the human body or model human organs before performing any procedure. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, immersive technology (AR+VR), and ultrasound imaging are driving medical imaging designs.
AI software helps doctors optimize device placement and handle image processing, resulting in faster reports. Augmented and virtual reality allows doctors to study radiological scans of patients in 3D, helping them better prepare for complex surgeries. Phased array ultrasound systems are a new technology that generates images of internal organs, blood flow, bone structure and tissue movement.
Lab test on a chip
Source: thehindu.com
Who would have thought that a microchip the size of a credit card could be used to diagnose diseases in developing countries? It can be used in places without advanced laboratory facilities. Both HIV and syphilis samples from patients collected locally were tested for accurate testing in Rwanda. The test was performed in less than twenty minutes with just a blood prick.
Well, it can cost a few dollars to make and will come in handy if mass production is undertaken. Developing countries need it, so it comes to them. According to Humane Society International, globally, 115 million animals are used in laboratory experiments each year.
Conclusion
These technological advances have enormous potential to detect diseases in their early stages. It is crucial to not only improve health outcomes for patients but also reduce the burden of chronic diseases on health systems.
By identifying the disease at an early stage, doctors can treat patients more effectively and with fewer complications. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc. They are very expensive to treat and have a significant impact on healthcare resources. Doctors can diagnose and intervene before the disease progresses to a serious stage, reducing overall treatment costs.
