Preliminary Evaluation of Menstrual Blood as an Alternative Matrix for Multi-system Lipid Profile Measurement in Support of Self-testing Applications

Introduction/ Background A non-invasive, user-centered approach to lipid profile assessment was explored using menstrual blood as an alternative matrix to support the development of self-diagnostic devices. Conventional lipid measurements rely on peripheral venous blood, which limits accessibility due to invasive sampling, distance from healthcare facilities, and the laboratory's reliance on trained personnel. This study investigated whether menstrual blood could provide lipid profile measurements comparable to standard peripheral blood. Materials and Methods This study employs an analytical observational cross-sectional design. Menstrual blood samples from 25 women of reproductive age were conditioned with ammonium sulfate to a final saturation of 25% and centrifuged to obtain a clear filtrate suitable for analysis. Total Cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels were quantified using three lipid measurement systems representing varying levels of technological complexity: intermittent analyzers, strip-based tests, and enzymatic colorimetric assays. Paired t-tests were performed on menstrual blood and peripheral blood as a reference. Results In peripheral blood and menstrual blood with intermittent analyzer, strip-based testing and enzymatic measurement techniques as follows: average (1) TG levels 270, 274, 274 mg/dL; and 256, 258, 262 mg/dL; (2) TC levels: 270, 274, 274 mg/dL; and 256, 258, 262 mg/dL. (3) HDL levels: 72, 95, 87 mg/dL; and 46, 71, 61 mg/dL. (4) LDL levels: 55, 38, 36 mg/dL; and 110, 71, 101 mg/dL. These three measurement techniques can detect lipid profiles from menstrual blood filtrate, but it is necessary to consider differences in data results from peripheral blood, as a correction factor. Thre was a strong correlation between menstrual blood and peripheral blood measurements (r = 0.68–0.93; p = 0.000). Discussion This study demonstrates that menstrual blood filtrate can be used to measure lipid profiles (TG, TC, HDL, and LDL) using various analytical systems, including intermittent analyzers, strip-based tests, and enzymatic assays; due to differences from peripheral blood data, correction factors must be applied. The use of menstrual blood can be recommended for self-testing of lipid profiles, with modifications to the detection instruments. Conclusion Menstrual blood can be used as a non-invasive alternative medium for measuring lipid profiles using intermittent analyzer systems, strip-based testing, and enzymatic methods.