Project Lead(s): Yu Sun
Issue
Blood cell count is the most common test and is essential for identifying blood cell disorders and infections. How can blood cell count be made affordable for timely diagnosis to large populations in developing countries?
Solution
The project aimed to develop low-cost micro devices that are capable of performing a complete blood count (CBC), particularly red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts.
Outcome
For the first time, on-chip sample processing (e.g., dilution, lysis and filtration) and downstream single-cell measurement have been fully integrated to enable sample preparation and single cell analysis from whole blood on a single device. The device integrates on-chip sample preparation and single electric impedance measurement on a compact platform, producing complete blood count information from whole blood. Robust handling of whole blood is enabled by integrated dilution, quench, filtration and electrical analysis. All fluid flow is driven by a single pneumatic pressure source, which reduces bulk and operational complexity. Integrated filtration permits the measurement of over 10,000 cells per test for obtaining statistically significant sample sizes.
Information about the project has been disseminated in publications.