Researchers from BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus and Purdue University have developed a compact handheld device capable of detecting liver health issues in under three minutes. This innovation focuses on measuring bilirubin levels, a crucial marker for assessing liver function. The device, which is about twice the size of a smartphone, is intended for point-of-care use, allowing healthcare workers to perform tests without sending samples to labs. It utilizes a disposable sensor coated with gold nanoparticles and a nafion-chitosan membrane, ensuring accurate bilirubin detection while filtering out interfering substances. Professor Sanket Goel emphasized that the device aims to enhance access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The prototype has achieved Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating successful validation in lab settings, with plans for clinical trials on the horizon. This device not only promises faster diagnostics but also has the potential to adapt for detecting other biomarkers in the future, improving healthcare accessibility in remote locations.