Redscan: A handheld tool to measure glucose level in blood instantly

Researchers at the MIT Spectroscopy Laboratory are working on the world’s first compact infrared blood glucose meter. The handheld device is meant to measure the level of glucose in the users’ blood in a non-invasive method. The work for the incredible glucose measuring gadget is on its way. It is not over yet; the product, dubbed Redscan is in the offing for a commercial release. Instead of taking some drops of blood from the body, Redscan can measure the level of glucose thanks to a near-infrared light. Users will just have to scan their forearm to see the level of glucose on an OLED display in the top panel of the device.

Braun Redscan

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Braun Redscan

Compact Infrared Blood Glucose Machine

The number of diabetic patients in the United States and across the world is scaling up. As per the National Diabetes Facts Sheet (2011), there are 2.58 million children and adults (8.3 percent of the population) diabetic patients in the U.S. In other words, one of out ten adults in the country is suffering from diabetic issues. So using the traditional ways of measuring blood glucose, large heaps of needles and lancing devices are thrown away into the earth. Certainly, the MIT researchers have gone on to design Redscan foreseeing the increase in medical wastes.

How does Redscan works

Redscan uses a spectroscopy method to scan the body of a patient to get the blood sugar measurement. The method recognizes chemical compounds from the frequency of vibrations of the bonds that hold the molecule together. In the process, there is no need to puncture a needle into the arm of the patient as it is in the traditional method. Users just need to place the device’s scanner in forearms to see the glucose level in blood. The glucose scanner is up with an easy-to-use user interface. The gadget is sleek, modern and keeps high quality and accurate results.

Major features

User interface: Redscan has a great user interface. It has sonly a single button, which is used both to switch on and switch off the gadget. The button is also used to select between various options. After switching on, you can press on the button to set different options.

Reading history: Redscan also stores recent reading history. Once you check blood glucose, it also shows the results of past several readings. You can also see a comparison between the readings, helping you understand the glucose level entirely.

Works as a pedometer: Redscan is not just a glucose reader. It also acts as a pedometer that can measure steps, distances and calories.

What is under the hood

Under the hood, Redscan is with many advanced components that are required to scan the level of glucose in the blood. The device features an OLED display (size is not available), infrared sensors, sensor lenses, processors and battery. The glucose scanner comes with a bio-plastic shell that can be recycled. Redscan can be charged with a magnetic attachment point and charging cords. The attachment point also acts as a docking station. You can dock Redscan on it while charging. However, the device is also with kinetic charging capability. It will harvest power from the motion that happens while you work with the device. After a full day use, its battery will get charged by half this way.

What makes it special

Redscan is a portable device to measure blood glucose. There are several benefits with the gadget. First of all, patients will not have to puncture their fingers or arms every now and then to measure the blood glucose level. Many patients need to check glucose level several times a day or week. The second one is that there should be a large reduction in throwing away needles and lancing devices, which will harm the environment. Above all, patients will be instantly updated with their blood sugar levels. Thus, they can identify all fluctuations in blood sugar, which will help them catch proper medial consultations on time. Several diabetic related calamities can thus be negotiated.

Source: Miika Mahonen