Optical analysis of lithium carbonate: Towards the development of a portable lithium blood level analyzer for bipolar disorder patients

J. M. May, M. Hickey, I. Triantis, E. Palazidou, P. A. Kyriacou

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Lithium medication is the gold standard of treatment in Bipolar Disorder patients, preventing and reducing mood swings and suicidality. However, despite its effectiveness, it is a potentially hazardous drug requiring regular monitoring of blood levels to ensure toxic levels are not reached. This paper describes the first steps towards developing a new portable device that can be used by Bipolar Disorder patients to facilitate the analysis of lithium blood levels at home. Solutions of lithium carbonate have been optically fingerprinted using a high-end spectrophotometer. Preliminary measurements indicate that while the visible to near infrared region of the absorption spectra fall heavily within the water band, measurements in the Ultraviolet region show a strong distinction between different lithium concentrations. The optical spectra of Lithium in the 220 nm to 230 nm region demonstrated the ability to differentiate between concentrations representing those found in patients.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2014 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2014
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages2077-2080
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781424479290
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Nov 2014
Event2014 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2014 - Chicago, United States
Duration: 26 Aug 201430 Aug 2014

Other

Other2014 36th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, EMBC 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period26/08/1430/08/14

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