Laboratory for Anthropometry and Biomarkers
Laboratory Director: Katherine Wander (profile)
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The Laboratory for Anthropometry and Biomarkers supports population-based health research conducted outside of a clinical setting, particularly in resource-limited settings. We specialize in gathering biological information through techniques that are minimally-invasive and robust to challenging field conditions, including unreliable or absent electricity, limited or absent clean water, long travel times and poor road conditions, and high humidity and dust.
Technology
Anthropometry: We use robust, transportable, low-cost instruments to measure physical characteristics such as height, weight, and skinfold thickness.
Enzyme Immunoassays: We use both traditional and multiplex assay systems to evaluate a variety of biomarkers鈥攎easurable characteristics, including biological products circulating in blood, secreted in saliva, or excreted in urine, that provide information about an entire physiological system鈥攊ncluding indicators of inflammation, immune defense, nutrition, and stress.
Specimen Types: We support use of alternative specimen types鈥攗rine or saliva instead of serum鈥攁nd specimen collection and storage techniques鈥攄ried blood spots instead of serum.
Point-of-Care Measurement: We use point of care (POC) diagnostic tools鈥攕uch as hemoglobinometers to identify anemia and hematofluorometers to identify iron deficiency鈥攖o minimize needs for cold storage and transportation of specimens and to provide useful information to our local healthcare provider partners.
Current Projects
- Child Health and Development in Kilimanjaro
- The Immune System of Milk
- Health Disparities and Market Integration
- Adoption and Family Size in Vanuatu
Publications
Students
The Laboratory for Anthropometry and Biomarkers supports graduate student training and independent research. Interested current and prospective students should contact Laboratory Director, Katherine Wander
