Electrical impedance measuring method for differentiating tissue types

A method for differentiating tissue types, which is suitable as a method for obtaining data to enable a cancer screening process, comprises applying an alternating electric current to an area of tissue across a range of frequencies. The tissue impedance is measured at each frequency and the results...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Brown, Brian, Smallwood, Rodney, Blackett, Anthony, Boston, Karen, Tidy, John
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 05.06.2003
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:A method for differentiating tissue types, which is suitable as a method for obtaining data to enable a cancer screening process, comprises applying an alternating electric current to an area of tissue across a range of frequencies. The tissue impedance is measured at each frequency and the results fitted to a Cole equation. It has been found that the method is good at distinguishing between tissues having different size nuclei, or different ratios of nuclear to cytoplasm volume. This is related to the resistance (S) to electrical current flow through cytoplasm. Results may be improved by combining S with a value (R) for the resistance offered to electrical current through pathways between the cells. The method may be used in vivo or in vitro.