A faster, easier way to test blood at the bedside with handheld device

According to Wyatt Shields, assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and senior author of the study, "We’ve developed a technology that is very user-friendly, can be deployed in various settings, and provide valuable diagnostic information in a short time frame." 

The portable system could have significant implications for individuals in rural areas or developing countries, where access to medical testing is often limited. Additionally, it offers a solution for those who experience anxiety around needles, as it requires only a small blood sample from a finger prick. 

At the heart of the system is a custom-built instrument known as an "acoustic pipette," which leverages sound waves to isolate specific biomarkers in the blood. The process begins by mixing the blood sample with custom-made particles called “functional negative acoustic contrast particles” (fNACPs). These particles are designed to recognize and bind to specific biomarkers, such as proteins or viruses, present in the blood. 

The acoustic pipette then uses sound waves to separate these particles from the rest of the blood. Once isolated, the biomarkers are labeled with fluorescent tags and analyzed using lasers, allowing researchers to determine their quantity. This entire process occurs within a device small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, making it a highly portable tool for medical professionals. 

Cooper Thome, a PhD candidate and lead author, explains, "We're basically using sound waves to manipulate particles to rapidly isolate them from a really small volume of fluid. It’s a whole new way of measuring blood biomarkers." 

The device holds promise for a variety of medical applications, including detecting infectious diseases, measuring viral loads, and assessing antibody levels. It could also be used to test for allergens, proteins associated with certain cancers, or to determine whether a patient needs a vaccine booster shot. 

While the device has shown strong proof-of-concept results, further research is needed before it can be commercialized. The team has applied for patents and is exploring ways to test for multiple biomarkers simultaneously, potentially allowing the device to analyze several conditions at once. 

This handheld device could address long-standing challenges in diagnostic testing, providing faster, more convenient results without the need for complex lab equipment. If successful, it could significantly improve patient care, particularly in remote areas or during medical emergencies. As the research progresses, the team will continue to refine the technology, aiming to bring it closer to everyday clinical use. 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Colorado at Boulder