ETH Zurich researchers develop smart sanitary pad for early disease detection

Researchers at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, have developed MenstruAI, a smart sanitary pad designed to analyze menstrual blood and support the early detection of serious health conditions. Developed in collaboration with other Swiss institutions, the device turns menstrual fluid—historically treated as waste—into a potential source of valuable clinical information.

MenstruAI is designed as a non-invasive and potentially accessible screening method, similar in concept to rapid tests used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The device contains a flexible silicone capsule equipped with a reactive strip. When the strip comes into contact with menstrual blood, antibodies trigger a chemical reaction that produces a color change according to the concentration of specific biomarkers.

The results can be interpreted quickly by observing the color change or, for greater accuracy, analyzed through a mobile application powered by artificial intelligence. The app quantitatively assesses the color variations, providing a more objective reading of the results.

Although MenstruAI is still in the experimental stage, the researchers say the technology could help make preventive health screening more accessible by allowing women to obtain preliminary health information at home.

 

Lucas Dosnon, the study’s lead author, emphasized that the smart pad is not intended to replace a formal medical diagnosis. Instead, it is designed to act as an early-warning system, providing women with clear indications about their health and helping them make informed decisions about when to seek medical advice.

The researchers envision the technology as a tool that could encourage earlier consultations with healthcare professionals and potentially help prevent complications by identifying warning signs before symptoms become more serious.