Single Drop of Blood
Measures Stress Levels

A new test can measure a person's stress level by analyzing a single drop of blood.

The test, developed by Oxford University scientists, checks the blood for immune system changes. The blood sample is exposed to a chemical that mimics bacteria and causes a reaction in white blood cells, which regard the chemical as an intruder.

The degree of white blood cell response is compared to a generic baseline and the results indicate a person's stress level. For example, a person who's under stress will have a reduced white blood cell response because the white blood cells will already be preoccupied.

The scientists used this method to test their own stress levels, such as when they were stuck in traffic jams. They also tested stress in wild animals living in harsh environments.

The Oxford researchers say they achieved encouraging results when they tested this method. They say it may prove useful in a number of applications, including stress monitoring in the workplace and insurance health screening.

More information

The Cleveland Clinic has more about stress.