NIRS for the measurement of haemodynamic markers in bone tissue (V1).
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use of near infra-red spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool to measure haemodynamic markers of the microvascular blood supply in bone tissue.
IRAS ID
194070
Contact name
Robert Meertens
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) uses similar technology to the commonly used devices that measure your pulse. It works by shining near infra-red light on a body part and measuring changes in the reflected light that scatters back. This can provide a measure of the concentration of haemoglobin (the part of blood that carries oxygen) in that body part. Our project will investigate the suitability of using NIRS to specifically measure markers of the blood supply in bone tissue using simple and tolerable tests. This will include how much oxygen the blood in bone has (oxygenation), how quickly blood is delivered to bone (bone perfusion) and the volume of blood per unit mass of bone (blood volume).
This study aims to prove that NIRS tests are as accurate as existing MRI tests for measuring microvascular blood supply in bone tissue. We also wish to use participants with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and some participants who have had a recent fracture. This will help us investigate whether NIRS can detect any differences in blood supply in the bone in those with T2DM. This is because we know T2DM is a risk factor for low impact bone fractures.
This is important research as existing tests are not efficient at measuring blood supply to bone tissue, and also have more risks for the patient. If successful, NIRS technology has the potential to become an inexpensive, fast and effective way to measure blood supply to bone that is safe for the participant. This could be useful for future research and potentially when screening for, or diagnosing, common bone diseases like osteoporosis, poor fracture healing, arthritis and blood-bourne cancers like leukemia.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0254
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion