By Na Jeong-ju
Staff Reporter

A team of Korean scientists has invented a portable medical kit that can detect various types of cancer and diabetes using a few drops of blood.

The craft, named ``Digital Bio Disc’’ because it looks like a compact disk (CD) player, is expected to open the way for people to check themselves for diseases without going to the doctor.


Professor Yoo Jae-chun

``This is an easy, convenient and possibly the cheapest scientific way to find cancer and diabetes,’’ said Yoo Jae-chun, a professor of the Graduate School for Information Technology of Pohang University of Science and Technology, who led the research.

``We plan to release the first batch of the product as early as next year after getting permission for the sale from the government.’’

The medical sensation is designed to find some elements in the blood related to the illnesses. A fast-moving disk-shaped device in the machine separates the elements and then sends them to a sensor to check if they match genetic information about the diseases. People can see the result through the screen about 40 minutes after putting in their blood, according to researchers.

``All you need is a few drops of blood and some simple knowledge of cancer and diabetes,’’ the 40-year-old scientist told The Korea Times. ``Just like operating a CD player, you push the button and wait for a result. But this is just for checking, not for treatment.’’

If commercialized, the device is expected to start a new epoch for cancer diagnosis, replacing a time-consuming job for laboratories.

Researchers said key genetic characteristics of stomach cancer, liver cancer, intestine cancer, breast cancer, womb cancer and diabetes-related diseases have been saved in the computer chip of the machine. It checks blood elements of samples and compares them to the computerized information, they said.

The breakthrough is a result of a state-funded program to conquer cancer and other fatal diseases initiated in 2002. Health officials said they would promote the new method for low-income earners who are reluctant to see a doctor due to high medical costs, after more tests.

Yoo said initial tests showed checks by the new cancer detector proved correct in about nine out of 10 cases. His research team is putting the final touches on the device to reduce errors and to get results more quickly.

Yoo said he has applied for an international patent for the technology, and is looking for ways to mass produce. The product has yet to get sanctions from the Korea Food and Drug Administration for sale due to higher rates of error than conventional ways, but the problem will be solved soon, he added.

jj@koreatimes.co.kr