IIT-M researchers develop technique to accurately measure blood clotting time; of use to manufacturers making implants
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have developed an innovative technique that accurately measures blood clotting time. This advancement is particularly beneficial for manufacturers involved in creating medical implants, as it enhances the assessment of materials used in these devices.
Understanding Haemocompatibility
Haemocompatibility refers to the ability of a material or medical device to interact with blood without causing adverse reactions, such as clotting. This characteristic is crucial for the development of medical devices like stents, heart valves, and catheters that come into contact with blood. Evaluating haemocompatibility is essential not only for device design but also for determining the appropriate dosage of anticoagulant medication to administer to patients post-surgery.
The Need for Improved Clot Testing
Despite advancements in biomedical technology, challenges related to thrombosis—blood clot formation—continue to persist. Current techniques for measuring blood clotting time, such as the mechanical tilting method and the free haemoglobin method, lack precision. The IIT-M research team, led by Subhashree Mishra, Govinda Chandra Behera, Vignesh Muthuvijayan, and Somnath Chanda Roy, aimed to address these shortcomings with their optics-based solution.
Innovative Optics-Based Technique
The researchers utilized changes in reflected light on the surface of implants to detect blood clot formation. When blood comes into contact with a foreign material, such as that used in implants, it begins to clot. To assess the clotting time, the researchers measured the reflectivity of the implant’s surface.
According to Ms. Mishra, “When blood touches this surface, and the blood clotting process begins, the surface becomes turbid, and the reflectivity of the surface will change. This change triggers a voltage alteration in a highly sensitive photodetector connected to the surface.” The time taken for this voltage change corresponds directly to the clotting time, allowing for accurate measurements down to milliseconds.
Patent and Industry Applications
The team has secured a patent for their technique, which was granted last year. Professor Somnath Chanda Roy stated, “We are at the initial stage of discussions with manufacturers. This technique will enable them to quantitatively screen materials for blood compatibility during the research phase.” The ability to distinguish between similar materials that behave differently during clot formation could significantly reduce clot-related risks for patients.
Potential for Broader Applications
Beyond its applications in medical devices, the researchers are exploring the use of this technique for other real-world issues, particularly in assessing water purity. Professor Roy mentioned that with minor modifications to the substrate, the technique could detect even trace impurities in water, showcasing its versatility and potential industrial applications.
Conclusion
The development of this optics-based technique by IIT-M researchers marks a significant step forward in the field of biomedical engineering. By improving the accuracy of blood clotting time measurements, this innovation not only aids in the creation of safer medical implants but also opens doors to applications in environmental monitoring.
Note: This article is based on information published in the journal Review of Scientific Instruments and reflects the ongoing research efforts at IIT Madras.
