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Detecting Cancer Without Drawing Blood

Posted by kdawson on from the you'll-feel-a-slight-pinch dept.

An anonymous reader informs us of research out of Purdue that allows for early detection of cancer without a blood sample. The technique involves shining laser light on surface veins, such as those in the wrist or cheek.

2 of 72 comments (clear)

  1. Use a dog by jag7720 · · Score: 4, Informative

    Dogs have been used to sniff out cancer patience for a long time... plus they are a lot more friendly and playful than a laser.

  2. Sample Size by the+eric+conspiracy · · Score: 4, Informative

    The real advantage of this technique is that it allows measurement of a larger size sample. There is still an injection of the florescent label, but by scanning the body surface a much larger blood sample can be monitored which makes this method more sensitive - making detection at an early stage better.