Abstract

Blood tests are one of the most common ways to detect a heart attack, and utilize biomarkers such as creatine kinase, C-Reactive Proteins, troponin-T, and Myoglobin. Currently, the primary biomarker tested during a blood test is Troponin-T. This blood test usually takes 2-3 days, and this timing may allow certain damage to progress before treatment can be determined. Additionally, the infrastructure required for these blood tests to be available to the greater population is resource intensive, including laboratories capable of handling blood samples, doctors offices for initial testing, and the physical technology for analyzing specific biomarkers. The expenses for these tests are also high, at around $100 to $300. This means that for many people, and greater parts of a nation, blood tests may not be accessible and can cause more harm due to lack of treatment. This research paper discusses the methods used to determine the validity of color-based testing as an alternative to current methods of testing. The experiment was carried out by using an RGB value matched group of samples scaled using dyes as substitutes for normal blood coloration and high-hemoglobin levels in an overall group of 5 tests. These samples were then analyzed using a TCS34725 color sensor paired to an Arduino MAX 2560 Arduino board. The Arduino IDE was used to alter the normal functionality of both parts to test for a heart attack and create the actual testing method. Overall the sensors evaluated the color samples accurately, in terms of verifying an at risk sample versus a normal sample. These results verified that a color sensor could be used to determine an at risk patient for heart attacks. Additionally, it also verified the myoglobin biomarker could be used for color tests.