The University of Texas System

Lifespex, Inc.

Costas Pitris

Rebecca Rae Richards-Kortum

Michele Follen Mitchell

Urs Utzinger

Anant Agrawal

Carrie Brookner

A method for using acetic acid as a signal enhancing contrast agent during fluorescence spectroscopy of normal and neoplastic tissue, particularly epithelium. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of detecting tissue abnormality in a diagnostic tissue sample in a patient, comprising the steps of obtaining a first fluorescence intensity spectrum from the diagnostic tissue sample; thereafter, applying acetic acid to the diagnostic tissue sample in sufficient concentration to alter the response of such diagnostic tissue sample to electromagnetic radiation for at least an effective period of time; during the effective period of time, obtaining a second fluorescence intensity spectrum from the diagnostic tissue sample; determining a parameter indicative of a change between the first and second fluorescence emission intensity spectra; and analyzing the determined parameter to determine a probability that the diagnostic tissue sample is normal or abnormal.

Acetic acid as a signal enhancing contrast agent in fluorescence spectroscopy

A probe, and an apparatus incorporating the probe, for detecting tissue abnormality, particularly precancerous cervical tissue, through fluorescence spectroscopy are disclosed. In vivo fluorescence excitation and detection can be accomplished easily and accurately using a probe whose tip conforms to the surface of the cervix. In addition, a higher number of fiber pairs provides more information and, therefore, more accurate diagnosis.

Optical probe for the detection of cervical neoplasia using fluorescence

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Austin, TX, United States of America

Costas Pitris