Abstract: An apparatus arranged to give an output indicative of lung disease state, in particular Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The apparatus comprises a biomarker detection unit; a patient information input unit; a memory unit; a processing unit; and an output unit. The biomarker detection unit generates biomarker information by analyzing a patient saliva sample. The biomarker information is processed with patient information relating to patient symptoms, and an appropriate output generated based on the combination of the biomarker information and the patient information. The output suitably indicates whether there is a change in the disease state, and may further include a recommendation regarding treatment for the disease according to such a change.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged to give an output indicative of lung disease state, in particular Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The apparatus comprises a biomarker detection unit; a patient information input unit; a memory unit; a processing unit; and an output unit. The biomarker detection unit generates biomarker information by analyzing a patient saliva sample. The biomarker information is processed with patient information relating to patient symptoms, and an appropriate output generated based on the combination of the biomarker information and the patient information. The output suitably indicates whether there is a change in the disease state, and may further include a recommendation regarding treatment for the disease according to such a change.

Abstract: There is provided a method of determining the status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of a human. The method comprises (a) performing a spectral analysis of a sample collected from said human; (b) comparing the spectra produced by said analysis at (a) against a reference; and (c) determining the status of COPD in said human based upon any variations determined at (b). Also provided is an apparatus for determining COPD.

Abstract: A method of determining the status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of a human that includes the steps of performing a spectral analysis of a sputum sample collected from the human; comparing the spectra produced by the analysis against a reference; and determining the status of COPD in the human based upon any determined variations.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of applying a first electromagnetic signal, e.g. an optical signal, to a tissue portion is described. The apparatus is also capable of applying a second electromagnetic signal from a different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, e.g. a microwave signal, to the tissue portion. Signals returned from the tissue portion and related to the first electromagnetic signal are analysed to give a first evaluation of the physical and biophysical characteristics of the tissue portion. Signals returned from the tissue portion and related to the second electromagnetic signal are also analysed, and a final evaluation of the physical and biophysical characteristics of the tissue portion is produced, informed by the first evaluation and the analysed second signal.