By Piotr Denisov
Sergey Lysenko (Ph.D. maths and physics), an associate professor within the Computer Science and the Computer Systems Department, tells us, “Our new approach uses the reflection spectrum to automatically analyse blood composition (eliminating interference from the thickness of the skin, pigmentation and moisture). To measure hemoglobin, bilirubin, melanin and oxygenation we first model both the norms and pathologies, for use in comparing with a range of other data in real time. Unlike the method used abroad, which uses a great many spectral images of skin from people suffering from various diseases, our method is quicker and relies upon fewer resources. The values of diagnosed parameters are sent immediately to medical staff, without needing comparison or evaluation. We use a mathematical formula based on the analytical relationship between measured and determined parameters. Our approach is unique worldwide, determining the gas composition of the blood, structural parameters and component analysis of the skin and mucous membranes. We can rapidly analyse every chemical part of the blood with huge accuracy. Our method is already protected by patents, and we hope that, soon, it will be implemented in practice.”
Interestingly, our Belarusian scientists simply used computer software to acquire spectral portraits of blood, skin and mucous membranes — allowing confident conclusions to be drawn. Data on normal and cancerous human tissues was gathered from foreign sources, with algorithms superimposed; this allows for an independent experimental result, as never seen before. Now, all that remains is to test the research on various groups of patients to prove the efficiency under laboratory, clinical conditions.
Professor Mikhail Kugeyko (Ph.D. maths and physics), who heads the Department of Quantum Radio-physics and Optoelectronics at the BSU, explains, “The method sets a new standard in medicine. For example, during surgery, it’s crucial to control blood loss. This can now be defined with previously unattainable precision, in real time, using our spectral method. It also allows early diagnosis of malignant tumours in the skin, breast, oral mucosa, oesophagus and some viscera, since tumours have a more intense blood supply than normal tissue. During endoscopy of the stomach or gastro-intestinal tract, we evaluate coloured images of the mucous membrane not by eye but using a computer (since the colour change is so slight in the early stages of tumour development). Spectral surveys give us a clear picture, showing not only the presence of a tumour but its size and developmental stage. We can then plan treatment more effectively, reducing the need for surgical intervention.”
