5th September 2023  Health Solutions, technology

Technological advancements have revolutionized healthcare and enabled early disease detection. Even though AI, quantum computing, and other new developments are exciting, early disease detection is one technology that can benefit us humans the most.

That’s because the sooner a disease is diagnosed, the more likely the patient is to survive, as their chances increase. This field has witnessed several major technological advancements, thanks to increased connectivity driven by the internet.

It’s 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 advancements help us to detect disease early.

Liquid Biopsy

Source: thermofisher.com

Liquid biopsy is basically a blood test aimed at detecting small amounts of cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream. It also detects genetic footprints or DNA of cancer, tumor mutations, or circulating tumor cells. Most of the studies have used liquid biopsies in the context of advanced cancers and metastatic stage-4 cancers. It can be used to study whether the treatment is working by measuring the burden of cancer cells in the bloodstream.

As another benefit of liquid biopsy, we can get results within one to two weeks, which is exactly what the patient needs so that the optimal treatment can be selected, and they can get started right away. By choosing the right drug for each patient, doctors don’t have to select general chemotherapy only but can determine what’s best for them.

Wearable Devices and Remote Monitoring

Wearable devices, such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and biosensors continuously monitor various health parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, sleep patterns, and activity levels. These parameters can be easily monitored on smartphones. You just need a reliable internet to connect your gadget to your smartphone to keep you updated.

If you are looking for one, then opt for Mediacom Internet due to its stability and fast connectivity. Moreover, these wearable devices help patients keep track of their health condition and know when to contact their healthcare provider if their health condition deteriorates.

In recent years, wearable devices and sensors have become more readily 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 patients’ data to facilitate clinical decisions that may result in better treatment outcomes.

Genomics and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Source: technologynetworks.com

NGS technologies have made DNA sequencing faster, more accurate, and cost-effective. By finding the right order of DNA nucleotides in a genome, doctors and geneticists can detect diseases including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and rare genetic abnormalities. It can lead to a better and longer life for cancer patients.

Furthermore, in the past five years, NGS has transitioned from being used in research to being used in clinical practice. At least 14 nations have launched programs to sequence huge populations. By 2025, more than 60 million genomes will have been sequenced globally.

Imaging Technologies

Medical imaging offers a non-invasive way for doctors to look inside the human body or model human organs before any procedure is done. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Immersive technology (AR+VR) and Ultrasound Imaging are pushing medical imaging designs forward.

AI software helps doctors optimize device placement and handle image processing, which generates faster reports. Augmented and virtual reality allow doctors to study radiology scans of patients in 3D, helping them prepare better for complex surgeries. Phased-array ultrasound systems are a new technology that generates images of internal organs, blood flow, bone structure, and tissue motion.

LAB-ON-A-CHIP Test

Source: thehindu.com

Who would have thought a microchip the size of a credit card could be used to diagnose diseases in developing nations? It can be used in places without advanced laboratory facilities. Both HIV and syphilis samples from locally collected patients were tested for an exact test in Rwanda. The test was performed in less than twenty minutes with only a blood prick.

Well, it can cost a few dollars to manufacture and will be helpful if mass production is undertaken. Developing countries need it, so it goes to them. Globally, 115 million animals are used in lab experiments every year, according to Humane Society International.

Conclusion

These technological advancements hold tremendous potential to detect diseases at their early stages. It is crucial not only to improve the health outcomes of patients but also to reduce the burden of chronic diseases on healthcare systems.

By identifying the disease at an early stage, doctors can treat patients more effectively and with fewer complications. Chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc. are very costly to treat and have a significant impact on healthcare resources. Doctors can diagnose and intervene before the disease progresses into a severe stage, which lowers overall treatment costs.