{"id":4009,"date":"2017-09-01T08:00:50","date_gmt":"2017-09-01T08:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/?p=4009"},"modified":"2017-09-01T08:00:50","modified_gmt":"2017-09-01T08:00:50","slug":"biliscreen-app-3d-printed-box010920174","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.3dnatives.com\/en\/biliscreen-app-3d-printed-box010920174\/","title":{"rendered":"BiliScreen, the application that detects pancreatic cancer with a 3D printed box"},"content":{"rendered":"

The detection of cancer early on could mean life or death for many who are diagnosed with it around the world. While many countries have low rates of pancreatic cancer, a new application called the BiliScreen could be a new solution for early detection. Combing a 3D printed box with a smartphone app, the BiliScreen provides a new solution to detect warning signs of pancreatic cancer and other diseases.<\/p>\n

\"BiliScreen\"<\/a>

The application measures your levels of bilirubin to help detect pancreatic cancer early on<\/p><\/div>\n

Created by researchers at the University of Washington’s\u00a0Ubiquitous Computing Lab, the Biliscreen uses the different computer and machine learning algorithms in order to detect jaundice through a photo of a person’s eye. Through a simple photo, the device is able to measure for higher levels of\u00a0bilirubin within the white area of the eye, a build up that typically occurs when there is pancreatic cancer involved. Typically, doctors measure the bilirubin by conducting blood tests, which can mean multiple visits to a doctors office and more time for the detection.<\/p>\n

The system is not just a mobile application as it also includes a 3D printed accessory: a box that controls the exposure of light to the eye. \u00a0To use the device, the user simply takes a selfie of their face using their smartphone camera while wearing a pair of special glasses and a 3D printed box that blocks the light and allows the application to operate under optimal conditions.<\/p>

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\"BiliScreen\"<\/a>

The 3D printed box and glasses<\/p><\/div>\n

During a study conducted on 70 patients with the Biliscreen, it was able to correctly identify cases of Jaundice 89.7% of the time compared to blood tests that detect bilirubin.\u00a0\u201cThe problem with pancreatic cancer is that by the time you\u2019re symptomatic, it\u2019s frequently too late,\u201d explained lead author Alex Mariakakis, a doctoral student at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering. \u201cThe hope is that if people can do this simple test once a month\u2014in the privacy of their own homes\u2014some might catch the disease early enough to undergo treatment that could save their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"BiliScreen\"<\/a>

Insert your smartphone into the 3D printed box to control the light level<\/p><\/div>\n

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Currently, the\u00a0team is planning on improving the design of the device with the goal of eliminating the need for the glasses and light-controlling box. In addition, they will also be testing their app on more people who are at risk for jaundice and other underlying conditions other than pancreatic cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

To see how the device works, check out the video below:<\/p>\n