Marker compounds indicative of variations in physiological conditions,
genetic defects or disease states have been found to be present in
apocrine sweat and, in many conditions, these markers are present in
apocrine sweat in elevated levels when compared to blood. These markers
are collected and/or detected in apocrine sweat and used as an indicator
that a disease state or particular physiological condition exists. A skin
patch, wipe or electronic detector for vapors released from apocrine sweat
are used to indicate the existence of a disease state or changing
physiological condition. The patch or wipe can include in monoclonal
antibodies or other chemical compounds that can indicate the presence of
specific markers. This may include indicators that render visible, the
existence of a reaction between the monoclonal antibody or chemical
compound and the marker compound to indicate the existence of the
condition being tested for. Various different disease states can be
detected including, but not limited to heart disease, cancer, autoimmune
disease, viral or bacterial disease, renal disease, drug intoxication and
other systemic illnesses. Fertility for conception and histocompatibility
for organ transplantation of individuals should also be detectable.