Sweatainer (sweat sampling device)

2023: Device Announcement

On May 3, 2023, American experts from the University of Hawaii at Manoa announced the creation of a new wearable device for the continuous collection of sweat samples throughout the day. The development opens up new opportunities in terms of diagnosing the state of the body and identifying signs of the development of certain diseases.

Scientists say that the composition of sweat can determine blood sugar levels, detect dehydration, fatigue and serious ailments, in particular, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and heart failure. In the traditional approach for collecting sweat samples, absorbent materials or special pads with microperforations are fixed on the skin. But the analysis of the obtained samples requires qualified specialists and expensive equipment. The advent of wearable sweat sensors has solved some of these problems, but such products are still disposable.

Sweatainer (sweat sampling device)

The new development was called Sweatainer. This is a small device made by 3D printing. Once fixed to the skin, it collects sweat samples into several tiny reservoirs. Follow-up analysis can be performed directly from Sweatainer or using laboratory equipment.

The project participants say that their development provides a more complete picture of the patient's condition, since sampling is carried out sequentially throughout the day. In addition, Sweatainer opens up new opportunities to perform testing at home, store samples for follow-up studies, and integrate with existing health monitoring methods. Thanks to the use of 3D printing technology, the novelty does not require large production costs. And therefore, Sweatainer is suitable for developing regions.^[1]

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