Lab Work: 4 Pieces of Technology that Help Keep You Healthy
There have been vast advances in health care technology made in the last three or four decades. These advances have been introduced in doctors’ offices, medical laboratories and hospitals where they have a direct impact on you, the patient.
Access to Latest Research and Information
Advances in information technology (IT) have increased the speed and accuracy of communications and logistics for medical professionals. Gone are the days of doctors relying on heavy medical volumes and monthly journals to get answers to your medical questions. Doctors now utilize the same type of personal computer that you have in your home to access the latest research and findings specific to injuries and diseases. This advance has led to increased accuracy in diagnosis, testing and treatment.
Nanotechnology in Medicine
One of the most promising areas of health care technology is the use of nanotechnology in treatment of injury and disease. This technology enables doctors to treat patients at the molecular level. An example of this is in the treatment of cancer where doctors are able to target cancerous cells for treatment, while leaving healthy cells intact.
According to a study done under the auspices of the National Institute of Health, one aspect of efficient laboratory automation includes the actual testing of the specimen collected. Technological advances in machinery have given technicians the ability to conduct several tests with the same sample at the same time. For instance, doctors may order a “panel” where several tests are conducted on a single sample of blood. The machinery and its software make that possible. Gone are the days when samples were routinely placed on slides and checked for different reactions when mixed with test chemicals. These advances in laboratory automation have greatly increased the efficiency and reliability of medical testing.
Digital Care and Remote Monitoring
Most people use smartphone technology to interact with the world, to organize their lives and to monitor their activities. This technology has moved into the medical field where technological applications allow for mobile testing and monitoring of patients, worldwide consultations and efficient on-the-go communication with all professionals involved in a patient’s care.
Technology that has a direct impact on your health care is rapidly advancing and becoming more affordable. Health care stakeholders are working to make it even more accessible, efficient and reliable. This will lead to better prevention, diagnosis and treatment.