Fraunhofer and Ki’tech develop patch for at-home potassium testing

People with chronic kidney disease or heart failure are often at risk of elevated potassium levels in the blood, known as hyperkalemia. This imbalance can quickly become life-threatening, particularly for dialysis patients. Until now, outpatient monitoring has not been possible.

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM, together with the French start-up Ki’tech, are addressing this challenge. Their goal: to provide a minimally invasive patch that measures biomarkers such as potassium in interstitial fluid using a microfluidic system and an electrochemical sensor.

The disposable patch, measuring five to seven centimeters in diameter, is applied to the arm and connected to a smartphone app. Results appear in real time, with wireless data transfer via NFC or Bluetooth. The entire process is automated, requiring no manual intervention.

“Dialysis patients usually have to go three times a week for dialysis, allowing for a two-day break at the weekend. It is during this interdialytic period at the weekend that it is essential for patients to have real-time access to their potassium levels in order to avoid dangerous heart rhythm disorders or even cardiac arrest,” explains Dr. Michael Baßler, researcher at Fraunhofer IMM.

His colleague Dr. Sisi Li adds: “Our goal is to decrease the morbidity and mortality of these patients as well as to improve the quality of their life,”

The system enables patients to actively manage their health by adjusting diet or lifestyle based on potassium levels. At the same time, the app can transmit data to a medical coordination platform. This allows healthcare professionals to react quickly, from sending advice to recommending emergency care.

Fraunhofer has applied for patent protection for this unique solution, which has the potential to significantly improve both patient safety and quality of life.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Fraunhofer