Scope and Objectives

1. To make a portable, hand-held, easy to operate device, which can measure Na+ and K+ effectively.
2. To bring down the cost per test of Na+ and K+.
3. Ensure the detection of sodium potassium with a simple instrument where reading could be visualized in a normal android phone when connected through a USB cable port.
4. To create a point of care device, which could be, used at resource crunch situations like primary health centers, ambulance services, disaster sites etc.
5. For early and prompt identification of dyselectrolemia and to seek medical attention before complications sets in.
6. For close monitoring of electrolyte during treatment, where errors may occur during a rapid or slow correction, therefore, to warranty accurate correction.

Deliverables

For providing quality health care to the entire population in a cheap and resourceful manner using the existing technology. To help clinicians in the early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of potentially life-threatening condition, which can be effectively identified and treated. Therefore, to provide clinicians with the appropriate equipment to complement the clinical diagnosis. To make available the portable, cost-effective ElectroFinder among the primary health care centers, hospitals, and ambulances, even as a home kit which could help in early identification of dyselectrolemia and prevent life threatening complications. Scientific Output: To prevent the cause of death and disability due to dyselectrolemia, our pursuit was in the development of ElectroFinder to measure sodium-potassium variations. The device is developed with the existing technology and our focus is to miniaturize it, test its efficiency extensively and then to market it at an affordable cost to the rural and urban health care systems of our country to save people from alarming rates of mortality and morbidity.

Scientific Output

To prevent the cause of death and disability due to dyselectrolemia, our pursuit was in the development of ElectroFinder to measure sodium-potassium levels. The device is developed with the existing technology and our focus is to miniaturize it, test its efficiency extensively and then to market it at an affordable cost to the rural and urban health care systems of our country to save people from alarming rates of mortality and morbidity.

We have narrowed to two major designs for Electrofinder and currently is on field trials at various levels. The final design will be selected depending on user feedback and compliances. Necessary modifications will be done according to the feedback

Results and outcome till date

Design of ElectroFinder the portable handhled and cost effective device has almost reached 75%, nearing to its completion. Next step is to provide ElectroFinder to clinicians for complimenting in clinical diagnosis.

Societal benefit and impact anticipated

Dyselectrolemia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in geriatric age group and people with non-communicable diseases. Unfortunately, there is no cost-effective equipment which aid in the identification and treatment of dyselectrolemia at resource limited settings. We are trying to address this issue by creating a cheap, hand-held portable device which can be utilized in rural health settings, with restricted infrastructural facilities, during transport, and in disaster. Electrofinder upon development could serve its benefit both in-hospital and out of hospital scenarios. Dyselectrolemias can present with myriad of symptoms leading to extensive evaluation of patients to rule out other possible causes. A simple and rapid point of care testing at home or at primary health care contact can diagnose the variation in electrolyte levels and initiation of correction could bring down the healthcare expenses. Even in hospital scenarios, maintaining the electrolyte levels in the ICUs is a difficult task needing constant close monitoring of the levels, as under correction or overcorrection can lead to life threatening arrhythmias or permanent brain damage. A cost-effective and rapid device can address the problem of delayed identification of dyselectrolemias and streamlining of treatment decreasing the cost burden from the home to the hospital.

Next steps

Sooner the field trials will be conducted.

Publications and reports

In process

Patents

Provisonal Patent filing under process

Scholars and Project Staff

Bavya : 14/01/2019
Syeda Aliya Sana : 28/11/2018

Challenges faced

We are trying to address the problem faced in blood-serum separation.

Other information

NA