A non-invasive, bioimpedance-based 2-dimensional imaging system for detection and localization of pathological epithelial tissues

The aim of this study is to design, construct and evaluate a 2-dimensional (2D) imaging system based on measurements of bioimpedance, for non-invasive detection and localization of pathological epithelial tissues. Results show that the designed system is equally accurate in measuring bioimpedance over a range of frequencies (10 Hz to 50 kHz), when compared with a precision impedance analyser (WK6420C), with no significant statistical difference (P > 0.05) found and error below 0.5%. Moreover, bioimpedance measurements made by the designed system and WK6420C were comparable with and reproducible by each other, as confirmed by Bland–Altman plots showing all points (i.e. differences between each pair of the measurements from the designed system and WK6420C) located within ±2 standard deviation lines. Additionally, in vitro and in situ studies showed the designed system capable of identifying pathological tissues and the generated 2D image by our software can visually provide direct information for screening and diagnosis. Finally, the system can theoretically be used for screenings a variety of illnesses, such as tongue cancers and pressure sores. Moreover, the system provides additional tool for tele-diagnosis/screening in rural area.