Engineers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have invented a smart device that can detect signs of depression and anxiety using just a drop of saliva. This new tool, developed by Distinguished Research Professor Chong Ahn and his team, aims to help doctors diagnose mental health conditions faster and more accurately.
The device, known as a “lab-on-a-chip,” works by measuring cortisol—a hormone that rises during times of stress. High levels of cortisol have been linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, even when a person may not feel or report those symptoms.
How the Saliva Test Works
The process is simple: a person places a small, disposable device in their mouth to collect saliva. That device is then inserted into a reader that quickly analyzes the sample and sends results to a smartphone or portable analyzer within minutes.
This quick and easy test could be done at home or in a doctor’s office. Patients can share their results with doctors using a web app. The research was recently published in the scientific journal Biomedical Microdevices.
Why It Matters
Mental health conditions affect over 400 million people around the world. Often, these conditions are hard to detect because they rely on how a person feels or what they report on a mental health questionnaire. But these new saliva tests offer an objective way to measure stress hormones, giving doctors solid data to work with.
“This kind of testing could allow doctors to act quickly when help is needed,” said Professor Ahn.
More Than Just Cortisol
UC researchers are also studying another hormone called DHEA, which helps balance the effects of cortisol. A high ratio of cortisol to DHEA can be a strong sign of long-term stress or depression. Doctoral student Supreeth Setty, a co-author of the study, is focusing on this area for his dissertation.
“These tests give clear evidence to support what patients might be experiencing, even if they don’t say it out loud,” Setty explained.
Looking Ahead: Clinical Trials and Broader Use
The next step for the team is to work with psychiatrists and conduct clinical trials to see how well the test performs in real-world settings. Setty believes the device could become a key part of mental health care.
Unlike traditional mental health checklists, which rely on honest answers from patients, this saliva test offers a biological snapshot of stress levels that can raise early warning signs.
Beyond Mental Health: Detecting Heart Attacks and COVID-19
UC’s innovative technology doesn’t stop at mental health. The same lab has also developed a rapid blood test for troponin—a protein that rises when the heart is damaged. This test helps doctors quickly identify heart attacks and monitor heart health over time. The findings were published in Analytical Chemistry.
“If we can catch high troponin levels early, we may be able to prevent future heart attacks,” said doctoral student Heeyong Jang.
Additionally, UC researchers have created a portable test platform for detecting COVID-19, featured in the journal Sensors and Diagnostics.
Conclusion
From mental health to heart attacks and COVID-19, UC’s “lab-on-a-chip” technology could lead to a future where important health conditions are detected faster, with less guesswork. The ability to test at home and get instant results could help millions stay healthier—and get the care they need before problems grow worse.
Read more:
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