Re:Study of Theranos Medical Tests Finds Irregular Results
by chmaynard on Monday March 28, 2016 @09:10PM
(#11378845)
Just to clarify, the testing device they claim to have invented is proprietary and they have every right to protect their IP.
By calling out the lack of peer review, I'm referring to the science behind the use of fingerstick sampling. When you extract blood from a vein with a sterile needle, the blood is uncontaminated. When you stab someone’s finger with a blade or sharp pin, presumably you have lacerated hundreds or thousands of capillaries. The blood that emerges is contaminated by tissues inside the finger and by oils and bacteria on the surface of the finger.
It’s possible to do simple tests like iron level with this blood and get accurate results. More complicated tests are another matter, and require scientific investigation.
By calling out the lack of peer review, I'm referring to the science behind the use of fingerstick sampling. When you extract blood from a vein with a sterile needle, the blood is uncontaminated. When you stab someone’s finger with a blade or sharp pin, presumably you have lacerated hundreds or thousands of capillaries. The blood that emerges is contaminated by tissues inside the finger and by oils and bacteria on the surface of the finger.
It’s possible to do simple tests like iron level with this blood and get accurate results. More complicated tests are another matter, and require scientific investigation.