Revolutionary Menstrual Pad Not Only Collects Blood: It Analyzes It Too!

At last, a breakthrough for women that isn’t patronizingly pink, overly expensive, or downright unnecessary. It’s a modest victory, but a victory nonetheless. Scientists have created a tiny device that can be placed inside a menstrual pad to detect disease indicators in menstrual blood, including markers for ovarian cancer.

The device is compact, roughly the size of a postage stamp, and rests at the base of the pad, encased in a soft silicone shell. It contains a paper test strip that changes color when it comes into contact with certain proteins.

“This device could be particularly beneficial for women who are at a higher risk of developing cancer,” explained Inge Herrmann, a professor at ETH Zurich and leader of the Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Lab, in a discussion with Live Science. She envisions it as “an additional, affordable, and simple monitoring tool for users.”

Innovative Menstrual Pad Sensor Monitors Health Markers in Blood

This new sensor is designed to identify three specific biomarkers: CRP (which indicates inflammation), CEA (a general cancer marker), and CA-125 (linked to ovarian cancer). The presence of blood triggers the test strip, and a marking—either a circle or a line—appears within 15 minutes. The intensity of this mark corresponds to the concentration of the protein detected.

While the test results can be visually checked, the team has also developed a mobile app that utilizes image analysis for a more precise interpretation. Herrmann assures that the device is imperceptible to the wearer, sharing feedback from volunteers who noticed “no difference compared to a regular commercial sanitary pad.”

Currently, blood tests for CA-125 are usually only suggested for individuals with a high risk of ovarian cancer due to the fact that high levels can also be triggered by other conditions, such as endometriosis. However, the researchers believe that regular, straightforward monitoring could provide valuable continuous data, capturing subtle variations that might be otherwise overlooked.

Dr. Paul Blumenthal, an OB-GYN and professor emeritus at Stanford University not affiliated with the research, acknowledges the potential of this technology. He noted, “Imagine monitoring your CA-125 levels and they’re typically normal, but then one year they increase slightly—this could be the early sign that something is amiss.”

The device has demonstrated promising precision in lab tests with both venous and menstrual blood. The next phase involves a real-world trial with approximately 100 participants. If successful, this innovative menstrual pad could hit the market in about three years.

Essentially, it’s a pad that not only absorbs blood but also provides valuable health insights. It’s certainly about time.