Menstrual Pad⁤ Device Shows ‍Promise⁣ for Ovarian cancer screening

⁣ Updated June 12, 2025

A novel device incorporated into menstrual pads could offer a future ‍method for screening ⁣diseases like ovarian cancer. The lightweight device ‍analyzes menstrual blood for disease biomarkers, specifically⁢ measuring levels of ⁣certain proteins. A paper test strip within the pad changes color upon exposure to these biomarkers.

Inge Herrmann, a professor at ETH Zurich, envisions this technology ⁢as a cost-effective monitoring tool, notably beneficial for ⁢women with an elevated risk of cancer.The research,⁢ detailing the device, was published in Advanced Science. Initial tests involved⁤ blood samples from healthy volunteers, and further⁣ trials are necessary before it can be⁢ implemented as a widespread screening tool for ovarian cancer detection.

The device, about 1 square‍ inch, is housed in soft⁣ silicone at⁢ the base of the⁣ pad. The⁣ test ⁢strip reacts to specific proteins, displaying⁣ a line or circle within 15 minutes if⁢ a biomarker is present.⁣ The darker the color, the higher the protein ‍concentration. While results are visible to ⁣the naked eye, an⁤ app using machine ‍learning-driven image analysis ⁤is also in development to interpret the tests. According to Herrmann, ⁢the device is imperceptible to⁤ the ⁣wearer and can be used as long⁣ as a regular menstrual pad.

We imagine this tool to be possibly useful⁢ for women at increased risk for cancer,” said ⁤Inge Herrmann, a professor and ‍leader of the Nanoparticle Systems Engineering lab at ETH Zurich. She told ⁣live Science that she hopes that the technology may “provide users with an ⁣additional monitoring tool” thatS cost‍ effective.

The prototype targets three biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP),indicating inflammation; carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA),a tumor marker linked to ⁤various cancers; and cancer antigen-125 (CA-125),specifically associated⁢ with ‍ovarian cancer. Existing blood tests can detect these biomarkers; though, this new device offers a less⁢ invasive and more accessible approach, according to Dr. Paul Blumenthal,⁣ professor emeritus in obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford ⁢University, who was not involved in the study.

Testing involved comparing the device’s biomarker detection in venous and ⁤menstrual blood ⁢samples, including samples “spiked” with‍ known biomarker ⁢concentrations. Herrmann noted that ⁣the device’s findings consistently aligned with ⁣expected concentrations⁤ and clinical chemistry assessments. Volunteers‍ wearing the device reported no difference in comfort compared to standard sanitary pads.

What’s next

The next phase⁣ involves real-world testing with approximately‍ 100 ‍participants to assess the device’s medical benefits. herrmann anticipates the⁣ device could be available in about three⁣ years, ⁤pending research ⁤outcomes and regulatory processes. Though, she also cautioned about potential user stress ⁣from misinterpreted results and the need for careful consideration ⁣in self-monitoring ⁣technologies.