New Test For Blood Clots In Development

scientistResearchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a urine test that could help detect clots before they become an issue.

The newly developed test, details of which are described in the journal ACS Nano, involves detection of the presence of thrombin, an enzyme that controls the formation of a protein called fibrin that patches up the wounds. The researchers injected mice with iron oxide nanoparticles, which interact with thrombin and leave behind fragments that can then be detected in the urine of the mice.

While the test has only been conducted in mice, researchers noted it could have applications for humans in the future, particularly people at high risk for blood clot, such as patients who are bedridden after surgery or those who visit an emergency department complaining of blood clot symptoms. A stick that you urinate on — similar to a pregnancy test — could be a way of administering the test.

 

Source: Huffington Post