Sensor Tracks IBD Markers Through Sweat

A noninvasive perspiration sensor tested in 33 inflammatory bowel disease patients measured inflammation markers that varied by disease type and age.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Diabetes

Thin skin-toned wearable sensor patch resting on a clean white laboratory bench beside clear glass vials, soft daylight from a window. — Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas tested a noninvasive sweat sensor in 33 inflammatory bowel disease patients, tracking inflammation markers that varied by disease type and age. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas tested a noninvasive perspiration sensor in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, continuously sampling sweat to monitor C-reactive protein and calprotectin levels. The results were published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

Why it matters

The approach offers a possible alternative to repeated blood and stool sampling for tracking inflammation in IBD. The findings also show that inflammation marker levels differ by disease type and patient age.

The study enrolled 33 patients, with perspiration sampled every 60 seconds for 40 to 130 minutes and compared against serum and stool measurements. Whether these sweat readings track disease activity over time has not been established.

The players

University of Texas at Dallas

A public research university in Richardson, Texas, whose researchers developed the perspiration sensor used in the study.

The details

Patients wore the sensor during a standard-of-care assessment while serum samples were collected at the same time, and stool samples were obtained from a subcohort. Patients with Crohn's disease had higher median CRP levels than those with ulcerative colitis, while ulcerative colitis patients had higher median calprotectin levels.

Health Landscape

The study extends wearable biosensor research from the University of Texas at Dallas into noninvasive monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease. It points toward sweat-based tests as a possible complement to the blood and stool sampling now used to track IBD inflammation.

If validated, sweat-based monitoring could reduce how often patients with IBD need blood draws and stool tests to track inflammation. The study does not establish that sweat readings are ready for routine clinical use.

The takeaway

Noninvasive tools that measure inflammation without needles or stool collection could make IBD monitoring less burdensome for patients. Whether they match the accuracy of standard tests will require further study.