A new sensor is being developed in the UK that will help doctors indentify a potentially deadly infant bowel disorder sooner than current methods.

The device relies on modified heated metal oxide sensor technology that picks up on characteristic gaseous molecules in the faeces of young babies which flag up necrotising enterocolitis (NEC).

According to professor Norman Ratcliffe from the University of West England, a platinum heating element is used to regulate the sensor temperature, which is a key part of the technology as the data is dependent on temperature ranges.

Speaking to the Engineer, he explained: "It's sort of platform technology - we're using the same system for urine and we're getting very good initial results for diagnosing urinary tract infections and, more particularly, prostate cancer."

The new technology is expected to save many lives, as 30 per cent of babies diagnosed with NEC will die.

Around 3,000 babies in UK are detected each year but only when the condition is at a critical stage.

"No current test can reliably identify babies in the early stages of the disease," said Dr Alexandra Dedman from Action Medical Research, which has helped to fund the project.

Source:

'Electronic nose' could help to identify infant bowel condition (31/05/11)

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