Title :
FSH biosensor to detect postpartum ovarian recrudescence
Author :
Taylor, H.W. ; Shidler, S.E. ; Lasley, B.L. ; Ngalamou, L. ; Taylor, F.E.
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Eng., Fairfield Univ., CT, USA
Abstract :
Preliminary evidence of FSH suppression as a marker of postpartum ovarian recrudescence is presented. Falling FSH concentration in response to ovarian follicular estrogenic secretory activity apparently signals the reestablishment of menstrual cycles. We propose to investigate further this phenomenon with the development of a portable FSH biosensor. The FSH biosensor design is based on SPR and biological thin-film technologies and is incorporated as a key element of the fertility information appliance. It is possible that the device could be a useful natural family planning tool, especially during the return to fertility after childbirth.
Keywords :
biomedical equipment; molecular biophysics; proteins; surface plasmon resonance; biological thin-film technologies; fertility information appliance; follicle stimulating hormone biosensor; follicle stimulating hormone suppression; menstrual cycles; natural family planning tool; ovarian follicular estrogenic secretory activity; postpartum ovarian recrudescence; surface plasmon resonance device; Biochemistry; Biosensors; Environmental factors; Personal digital assistants; Plasmons; Pregnancy; Recruitment; Resonance; Sensor systems; Testing; FSH; NFP; SPR; amenorrhea; anovulation; biosensors; breast-feeding; fertility information appliance; follicle stimulating hormone; menopause; natural family planning; ovarian recrudescence; ovulation detection; postpartum infertility; pregnancy; reproductive ecology; surface plasmon resonance;
Conference_Titel :
Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, 2004. IEMBS '04. 26th Annual International Conference of the IEEE
Conference_Location :
San Francisco, CA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8439-3
DOI :
10.1109/IEMBS.2004.1403589