Spectrophotometers for Good Health

Spectrophotometers are commonly used to measure transmittance or reflectance of solids, gases, or other substances. However, in the medical industry, they can also be used to analyze and report crucial health information, such as cholesterol level. This is commonly done via a blood sample.

Health professionals already know that elevated enzyme levels in certain areas of the body indicate that there was recent activity involving that organ. An enzyme-sensitive probe can then interact with those enzymes to produce colors and dyes, which can then be measured by a spectrophotometer.

Cholesterol Measurement

In the past, analyzing blood with a spectrophotometer, like Konica Minolta’s CM-36dG, can provide fast results for cholesterol levels. The spectrophotometer can measure the presence of resorufin, which is a fluorescent pink dye produced during an investigative assay with a sensitive cholesterol probe. The amount of resorufin is directly related to the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Spectrophotometers & Skin

Now, with the advent of new technology, the future of cholesterol measurement may be in the skin. Manufacturers have developed a cholesterol test for the skin that is proven to effectively measure cholesterol with a handheld spectrophotometer. The test uses a reagent to react with the skin s cholesterol. Another reagent is added to create a color or hue based on the amount of cholesterol in the skin. The spectrophotometer is then used to measure that color. The more intense the hue, the higher level of cholesterol in the skin. Although skin cholesterol is not the same as blood cholesterol, and is not a replacement for a blood cholesterol test, the two tests can work in conjunction to give insight to a patient s coronary risk such as atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease.

For more information on Konica Minolta or the CM-36dG spectrophotometer, visit https://sensing.konicaminolta.us/us/