Patent ID: 6633777
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for diagnosing a state of health of an organ in a human or animal body, the apparatus including:an electrical generator; a measurement electrode and a reference electrode, for connection, in use, to the generator; means for monitoring and measuring at least a first parameter which is dependent upon resistance or impedance between the electrodes when the measurement electrode is placed in contact with a first zone of skin corresponding to the organ and the reference electrode is placed in contact with a second zone of skin on the same body, and a DC potential difference is applied between the electrodes by the generator, in use; recording means configured to record a first measured value of the first parameter after a sudden and significant change in the first parameter due to a reduction in resistance of the skin at a breakthrough potential difference; means for changing the potential difference between the electrodes such that the polarity of the electrodes is inverted after the first measured value has been recorded; recording means configured to record a second measured value of a second parameter which is dependent upon resistance or impedance between the electrodes after inverting the polarity of the electrodes; and means for comparing the first and second measured values to obtain a third value which is an indicator of the state of health of the organ to which the first zone of skin corresponds.