Citation

Wei TY, Yen TH, Cheng CM. Biomicrofluidics 2018; 12(1).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018)

DOI

10.1063/1.5003848

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Acute pesticide intoxication is a common method of suicide globally. This article reviews current diagnostic methods and makes suggestions for future development. In the case of paraquat intoxication, it is characterized by multi-organ failure, causing substantial mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis may save the life of a paraquat intoxication patient. Conventional paraquat intoxication diagnostic methods, such as symptom review and urine sodium dithionite assay, are time-consuming and impractical in resource-scarce areas where most intoxication cases occur. Several experimental and clinical studies have shown the potential of portable Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), paper-based devices, and machine learning for paraquat intoxication diagnosis. Portable SERS and new SERS substrates maintain the sensitivity of SERS while being less costly and more convenient than conventional SERS. Paper-based devices provide the advantages of price and portability. Machine learning algorithms can be implemented as a mobile phone application and facilitate diagnosis in resource-limited areas. Although these methods have not yet met all features of an ideal diagnostic method, the combination and development of these methods offer much promise. © 2018 Author(s).

Language: en

Keywords

Diagnosis; Herbicides; Substrates; Raman scattering; Learning systems; Early diagnosis; Current diagnostics; Learning algorithms; Artificial intelligence; Diagnostic methods; Mobile phone applications; Paper based devices; Point-of-care testing; Sodium dithionite; Surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS); Surface scattering