Developments In Technology May Help Diagnose MS In The Future

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 05 Oct 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Scientists at the University of Leeds have developed a hand-held device that they claim can test for serious conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS), using a tiny sample of blood or urine.

If trials are successful the researchers hope the technology could be available in three to five years.

The device works by looking for tell-tale signs of a condition from the molecules present in the blood (called biomarkers).

Dr Laura Bell, Research Communications Officer at the MS Society said:

"Currently there are no biomarkers which are known to predict MS, either in the blood or urine.

"Many people, including the MS Society, are carrying out research trying to find biomarkers for MS. A simple blood or urine test would be preferable to lumbar punctures or expensive MRI scans, the results of which can take a long time to obtain.

"Research looking for biomarkers is in the early stages, but hopefully, if they can be discovered, in the future this technology could be useful to help diagnose MS and also potentially help ascertain the benefits of experimental drugs in clinical trials."

MS Society