The system collects and transmits medical data to experts located off site for analysis and diagnosis. It can also be used in battlefields, disaster zones, and other dangerous locations.

"The cellular communications industry is, and will continue to become, a global resource that can be leveraged for detecting disease," said Professor George Whitesides of Harvard University, the study's leader.

In the study, Whitesides collaborated with Brazilian researchers to design a system using cell phone cameras and paper test-strips to collect and characterize artificial urine samples. The scientists took pictures of the color-changing test-strips and transmitted them to an off-site expert.

From the test-strip photographs, the expert accurately measured glucose and protein levels that are commonly used to diagnose kidney diseases. Researchers said that similar analyses of teardrops and saliva could also be conducted.

In addition to diagnosing human diseases, the researchers said the system can also be used to detect diseases in plants and livestock, and to test the quality of water and food.

The study is to appear in the journal Analytical Chemistry.