Measuring cortisol in cerumen with special cotton swab

Two groups of researchers in London have created and tested a simple tool for sampling earwax (cerumen) to measure cortisol levels—as might be found in psychiatric disorders.  “The new device resembles a colorful cotton swab, but unlike a conventional swab its design does not permit a user to advance it too far into the ear canal, thereby preventing inadvertent damage to the ear. The tip of the device is covered in a cellulose sponge soaked in a mineral oil solution containing magnesium chloride, which is intended to maximize sample uptake.”  MORE

Image Credit:   bbc.com