A team of Salt Lake City-based University of Utah researchers developed a fluid-based liver cancer test.
Here's what you should know:
1. The test takes approximately two minutes to diagnose liver cancer, and researchers believe they can lower the cost of the test to around $3. The test can also be administered in the field.
2. The test reacts to alpha-fetoprotein, which is a liver cancer marker.
3. The test works when a drop of blood, saliva, urine or a tear is dropped onto a paper membrane contained within a plastic cartridge. The initial sample is followed by a drop of gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticles tag the biomarker, and if alpha-fetoprotein is present, a red spot appears.
4. Current testing involves several lab-based blood tests and ultrasound imaging, which can be costly.
5. Researchers believe the test can be adapted to help diagnose tuberculosis, malaria and dengue fever among others.