Potential of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of plasma/serum in the liquid state: recent advances

There is compelling evidence in the literature to support the application of Raman spectroscopy for analysis of bodily fluids in their native liquid state. Naturally, the strategies described in the literature for Raman spectroscopic analysis of liquid samples have advantages and disadvantages. Herein, recent advances in the analysis of plasma/serum in the liquid state are reviewed. The potential advantages of Raman analysis in the liquid form over the commonly employed infrared absorption analysis in the dried droplet form are initially highlighted. Improvements in measurement protocols based on inverted microscopic geometries, clinically adaptable substrates, data preprocessing and analysis and applications for routine monitoring of patient health as well as therapeutic administration are reviewed. These advances suggest that clinical translation of Raman spectroscopy for rapid biochemical analysis can be a reality. In the future, this method will prove to be highly beneficial to clinicians for rapid screening and monitoring of analytes and drugs in the biological fluids, and to the patients themselves, enabling early treatment, before the disease becomes symptomatic, allowing early recovery.