Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Improving the Skin Prick Allergy Test: Exploring the Effect of Operator Dependent Factors of Test Variability; The Hidden Power in Clinical Trials: Exploring Power Dynamics in America through Clinical Trial Practices51 views
Author
Walker, Darius, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Advisors
Abebayehu, Daniel, EN-Biomed Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Seabrook, Bryn, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Abstract
The National Center for Health Statistics states, “Advances in medical technology, including diagnostic imaging technologies, procedures, medical devices, and new prescription drugs have extended and improved the quality of countless lives” (National Center for Health Statistics(US), 2017). For example, food allergies affect 6.2% of people in the US (Center for Diversity, 2023), who can face malnutrition or death without proper diagnosis. In the capstone section, a tool will be created for skin prick allergy test that reduces the variation of results caused by operator dependent factors, such as depth. At the same time, medical innovation and testing is a highly regulated process, often controlled by the governments and international councils. For example, clinical trials are a required process where devices, new treatments, or procedures are tested on willing patients. In the STS research paper, we will explore the power dynamics around clinical trials within the United States. To fully develop the capstone project, a clinical trial testing the product would be essential. If scientists and engineers can understand the power dynamics at play while testing their devices, they can design clinical trials which ensure a safe and equitable experience for patients.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Skin Prick Test; Allergy Testing; Diagnostic Accuracy; Diagnostic Devices; Clinical Diagnostics; Medical Device Design; Food Allergy; Data Feminism; Clinical Trial; Black Feminist Thought; Power dynamics; Tuskegee Syphilis Trail
Notes
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Technical Advisor: Daniel Abebayehu
STS Advisor: Bryn Seabrook
Technical Team Members: Ria Agrawal, Neda Rehan, Coco Zhang
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
Walker, Darius. Improving the Skin Prick Allergy Test: Exploring the Effect of Operator Dependent Factors of Test Variability; The Hidden Power in Clinical Trials: Exploring Power Dynamics in America through Clinical Trial Practices. University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Science, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2025-05-08, https://doi.org/10.18130/whh8-9c40.
