The phone app examines "anemia"

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – A new electronic app could provide a quick fix to people suffering from anemia and wishing to monitor their condition or those who only complain about the disease, researchers said Monday.

The researchers said in Nature Communication that a mathematical system developed in Atlanta was able to closely monitor the signs of anemia through the color of the skin and nails.

"The end result is that we have come up with a way for anyone to control the condition of anemia anytime, anywhere, without having to take a blood sample," said Wilbur Lam, a study assistant and professor of biomedical engineering and pediatrics at the Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. The application developed by Lam and his colleagues uses artificial intelligence to determine hemoglobin levels by examining the color of the skin under the fingernails. "Basically, our computer system learns whenever we take it by taking it through the smart phone of the skin along the nails with the level of hemoglobin attached to the image," Lam said.

"We have established a large database in my clinic, where we record patients who take blood samples to measure hemoglobin levels.When we do this, the arithmetic system becomes smarter and more more. "The arithmetic system was developed by Robert Manino, head of the study, one of L's patients since his childhood.

To determine the accuracy of the new anemia monitoring application, the researchers used 100 volunteers, some with anemia for various reasons and others with a normal hemoglobin level.

Volunteers loaded the application and took pictures of their nails. The application analyzed the images and compared them to the images provided in the past. In the end, the application was very effective in monitoring anemia, knowing 97% of infected people.

Lam added that the application could be more accurate even though a reading of the hemoglobin level is accompanied by a picture of a patient, adding that with this level of precision The application will allow people with chronic anemia problems to monitor hemoglobin levels in a regular and long-lasting manner.

Lam said that the application would be particularly useful for certain groups of people. "Pregnant women, for example, are at risk of anemia and are aware of the risks to their baby," he said. "Now they can look when they want," he said.