Early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns requires a heel prick test followed by application of a cumbersome sweat-collecting device to the pediatric patient. A simpler and less invasive diagnostic method developed by an international research group places a flexible sticker in the skin to measure chloride levels in sweat in real-time through a simple color change.

By softly adhering to the body, the millimeter-thick sticker makes direct but gentle contact with the skin without harsh adhesives. The device collects 33% more sweat than current clinical methods, ensuring that The flexible sticker conforms to the body to collect sweat directly from skin. Source: Northwestern Universityone test will consistently amass a large enough sample to provide an accurate result.

Built-in colorimetric sensors detect, measure and analyze chloride concentration in real time using a smartphone camera, eliminating long wait times and the need for expensive laboratory equipment and excruciating wait times. The device might also be of use in the home setting for parents in rural or low-resource areas without access to clinical centers.

Scientists from the University of Hawaii, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Epicore Biosystems Inc. (Massachusetts), Université de Strasbourg (France), Kookmin University (South Korea) and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago collaborated on this research, which is published in Science Translational Medicine.