The purpose of this project is to establish the feasibility for a new concept of measuring sweat and urine osmolarity. This measurement is valuable as an aid-in identifying cystic fibrosis in infants and also for monitoring salt intake in hypertensive individuals. Both of these tests are commercially desirable.This test is based on a proven but proprietary method that employs an osmolaritysensitive reactant and a special dye that changes color in response to small changes in ionic strength. A qualitative test and a semi quantitative test, as simple and as easily read as currently available pH dip stick tests, are envisioned for Phase II.Phase I of the project is a survey and an identification of the best combination of reactant and dye; then, their performance will be tested under controlled conditions using the normal levels of the electrolytes found in sweat and urine. Once a working liquid formulation is discovered, the reagents will be dried in a film or on paper for potential use in a dip stick or slide-type arrangement.Institute Of Arthritis, Diabetes, And Digestive And Kidney Diseases
