Researchers at Stanford University have developed a smart toilet system that can monitor and accurately diagnose various diseases. The device is equipped with a set of various sensors, three cameras, a comprehensive medical analysis system and even a user identification function, writes the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering.
Structurally, all this looks like a separate unit that can be integrated into any standard toilet.
The main author of the development is the head of the Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Professor Sanjiv Gambhir. The idea of a “smart” toilet first visited him 15 years ago, but then the proposal was not taken seriously.
“When I talked about my idea, though people were interested in the details, they laughed,” explains Professor Gambir.
Nevertheless, after 15 years, the scientist nevertheless realized his idea.
Using the available tools, the system can analyze urine and feces. A smart toilet is able to determine the blood content in urine, analyze the number of leukocytes, the level of proteins, glucose and many other biomarkers, as well as identify the first signs of certain types of cancer (colorectal or urological), renal failure and other diseases.
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The “smart” toilet will automatically send the collected data to a secure cloud, access to which will be available only to the attending physician, and will report the results of the analyzes through a mobile application.
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As for the user identification system, it was originally planned by a person’s fingerprint on the drain button. But the developers of the smart toilet have come to the conclusion that this approach will not work. The toilet may be equipped with an automatic flushing system, and in different circumstances, another person may flush.
As a result, another method of user verification was chosen. The system scans the anus and thus identifies the person. “We understand how strange this may sound, but this approach works because of the uniqueness of the fingerprint on the scanner,” – says Professor Gambir.
The effectiveness of the “smart” toilet, scientists tested on 21 volunteers. In addition, researchers interviewed 300 people, deciding to find out how many would agree to use such a system at home. 52% of respondents said they like the idea.
The developers of the “smart” toilet note that their device allows for constant monitoring of the state of health without frequent visits to the doctor. But for maximum effectiveness, patients should use this device regularly.
Currently, the creators of the “smart” toilet are improving the molecular evaluation functions for stool samples. In addition, they plan to develop customized sensors for people with certain diseases.
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