Based on a tool for measuring quality in building construction, NSTU NETI researchers created the device that can measure bone density and diagnose early stages of osteoporosis.
The new device for studying the quality of buildings and facilities distinguishes the standing wave resonance from microseismic noise, thus assessing the stability of buildings and other capital construction facilities. So far, many buildings have been tested in Novosibirsk, for example, the Bugrinsky Bridge.
A laboratory prototype of the upgraded device that can measure the density of bone tissue was tested on 450 volunteers at the end of 2019. Scientists tested the density of peripheral bones: the spine, hip, elbow and shoulder.
"The laboratory prototype looks like piston sensors. I place them on the peripheral bone, and there occurs almost instant accumulation of acoustic noise. Since our body is indeed alive, all noises pass through the bones, and the device captures and interprets the waves emerging from this", commwnts Konstantin Fedin, Associate Professor of the Department of Geophysical Systems, Faculty of Physical Engineering, NSTU NETI, Candidate of Technical Sciences, explaining the operating principle of the device.
The device was successfully tested for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in the Research Institute of Clinical and Experimental Lymphology. There was a group of 35 men aged 50-70 formed for testing. Specialists of the Institute of Lymphology performed a medical testing using the Dexa X-ray method, while Konstantin Fedin used his device. The discrepancies in the test results were no more than 1%.
At the end of 2020, Konstantin Fedin applied for a patent. Currently, the developer is looking for an investor to create a medical device. According to the developer’s estimates, the creation of a working prototype will require about 50 thousand dollars. However, the device released in mass production will win in terms of cost and availability. It will be possible to apply it both in large medical centres, and in medical assistant and obstetric clinics, women's health clinics and health centers.
The measuring device itself will look like a pocket device. The program installed on the mobile phone will be enough to process the data. Using Konstantin Fedin's device will prevent from harmful X-rays. In addition, it is harmless for categories of patients who are contraindicated for X-ray examination, such as pregnant women and critically ill patients.