Abstract
Impedance spectra of superficial tissues can be used to detect pre-malignant changes in the cervix but require electrical contact to be made between a probe and the tissue. Using a membrane which is permeable to ions but forms a barrier to agents of infection should enable impedance spectra to be measured without causing an infection risk to the patient. The properties required of such a membrane are considered and measurements on two suitable membranes are presented. It is shown that impedance spectra can be measured through a thin natural cellulose based membrane (Cuprophan) and that these are not significantly different from directly measured spectra. The ability of the membranes to block a virus is tested using expired polio virus vaccine.
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We wish to acknowledge the financial support of the NHS New and Emerging Applications of Technology (NEAT) programme in this work.
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Brown, B.H., Gonzalez-Correa, C.A., Bremner, J. et al. Impedance spectral measurements made through a membrane infection barrier. Med Bio Eng Comput 44, 1085–1091 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-006-0126-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-006-0126-1