The cholesterol selfie that could save your life

Cornell University researchers have developed a smartphone camera accessory and app that can snap a person's blood cholesterol levels as quickly and as accurately as a point-of-care device, Relaxnews reported.In fact there's only one catch to the simple-to-use smartCARD system: users will have to be prepared to draw their own blood.The device fits over a smartphone's existing camera and enhances its imaging capabilities in order to analyze a test strip on to which blood has been applied.Blood changes color when applied to a test strip and the color in question will be determined by a person's blood cholesterol level. The smartCARD system is able to use a smartphone's camera to capture the hue and give an accurate reading in under 60 seconds via the accompanying app.The breakthrough, detailed in a paper in science journal Lab on a Chip, could make what is currently a complex and expensive test something the average consumer could perform easily and cheaply at home while keeping healthcare professionals in the loop. As David Erickson, Cornell associate professor of mechanical engineering and the paper's senior author, says: "Smartphones have the potential to address health issues by eliminating the need for specialized equipment."As many as 60 percent of US adults are estimated to suffer from high cholesterol levels, a condition which can increase the risks of coronary heart disease.However, in many cases being aware of these levels and making subtle lifestyle changes can be enough to keep everything in check. And the smartphone could be key."By 2016, there will be an estimated 260 smartphones in use in the United States. Smartphones are ubiquitous," said Erickson. He also believes that in less than a year that the smartCARD will be even more advanced than it is now. "Mobile health is increasing at an incredible rate," he said, "It's the next big thing."ANN.Az