Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light in Erlangen, Germany, developed the RT-FDC device for rapid analysis of tumors. The results of the study were published in the journal Doga Biomedical Engineering.
Determining changes in the physical properties of cells is critical for the diagnosis and treatment of some diseases such as cancer. However, an experienced pathologist is required to make a diagnosis. Unfortunately, sometimes a doctor may overlook the signs of a malignant tumor. To reduce these risks to zero, a team of scientists developed a quick and easy method of tissue testing that takes half an hour.
Scientists have already tested their method on mouse tissue. The device first grinds the tissue sample, then the cells are analyzed in various ways. RT-FDC can analyze up to 1,000 cells per second, which is 36,000 times faster than conventional methods. The device also has built-in AI that evaluates whether the sample contains tumor cells based on the data received.
Usually a biopsy is taken for quick analysis and the entire tumor can be excised while the person is lying on the operating table. However, this requires a rapid diagnosis of cancer, although it is not always possible to consult a pathologist during surgery. According to the researchers, the method developed in such cases can replace the doctor.