A smartphone-integrated low-cost, reagent-free, non-destructive dried blood spot-based paper sensor for hematocrit measurement.

The blood hematocrit (Hct) level provides vital information about a person's health. Traditional Hct measurement equipment relies heavily on infrastructure and skilled manpower, limiting its broad implementation in resource-limited contexts. Therefore, we developed a simple, reagent-free, non-destructive, smartphone-integrated paper-based device for Hct measurement by analyzing blood-spreading area on a paper substrate. Blood spreading area was found to be dependent on the Hct value, paper properties, and assay duration. This device was calibrated using a custom-made Python algorithm with 10 µl of blood, which produced a sensitivity of -1.90 ± 0.03 mm2/Hct (%) with a LOD as low as 2.17% Hct. The device linear range (8.8 to 58% Hct) is wide enough to cover the clinically relevant range of blood Hct (%). Furthermore, this Python algorithm was coupled with a user-friendly and clinically beneficial Android application (app) to establish an automated tool for quantitative estimation. Comparing the app performance with the result obtained from the gold standard hematology analyzer using blood from 87 subjects reveals a strong correlation (r = 0.99), an average bias of 0.15 with limits of agreement of -2.5 to 2.79 at 95% CI. The device exhibits an accuracy of 96.85% and acceptable reproducibility, with CV ranging from 0.8 to 7.5%. An integrated detection cum readout guiding pattern may allow this device to be suitable for simultaneous quantitative and qualitative estimation and to be employed in both developed and resource-limited clinical settings for Hct measurement in routine checkups and regular monitoring during critical care, as well as in the initial screening of large anemic populations.

Assessment of the Anterior Loop of the Mandibular Canal Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Eastern India: A Record-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the presence and course of the anterior loop (AL) in an Odisha sample population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to accurately identify and analyze the length, height, and diameter of AL in male and females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images from 1000 patients obtained for various clinical indications were randomly selected and evaluated to determine the presence, length, height, and diameter of the AL. The various parameters were then compared based on gender, age, and the side of the mandible. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, multiple post hoc procedure, and one-way ANOVA test. RESULTS: An AL was identified in 9.7% of the cases, and its mean length ranged from 1.8 to 4.8 mm. The loop had a greater mean length and was significantly more prevalent in males. The diameter ranged from 1 to 4 mm and height ranged from 7.8 to 15.1 mm. The AL was most commonly found in the middle-aged patients (39-48 years) which attributed to around 27.83%. CONCLUSION: In this study, a lower prevalence of the AL of the mandibular canal was found. Being an anatomical variation, an exact evaluation of the AL must be established using the imaging techniques prior to any surgical procedure.