News
Blood plasma can be analysed using infrared light to identify Crohn’s disease
A team of researchers in France have demonstrated the use of infrared spectroscopy to detect Crohn’s disease from patient’s plasma with an accuracy of 97 %. Infrared spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique that detects the characteristic absorptions of infrared light (light with longer wavelengths than what we can see) by molecules to give a “spectral fingerprint” relating to molecular composition. In plasma samples this spectral fingerprint gives information on the composition and relative abundance of biomolecules. These biomolecules are present in slightly different levels between Crohn’s disease and control patients. The researchers were able to use this spectral fingerprint with multivariate data analysis techniques to create a classification model to distinguish between Crohn’s disease and control patients. This type of technology needs to be further assessed and developed in larger studies before implementing in clinic, but it is an exciting field to follow and I hope to see it developed to a level that aids the diagnostic pathway for Crohn’s disease in the future.