ImQuant - An image based fluorescence reader for quantitative lateral flow immunoassays.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Fluorescence immunoassays (FIA) offer potential for rapid point-of-care diagnostics.
• Current FIA instruments often use laser scanning, leading to bulky, unreliable systems.
• A need exists for compact, motion-free readers for accurate immunoassay quantification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate ImQuant, a novel, image-based, motion-free reader for fluorescence immunoassays.
• To create a compact and reliable automated system for quantitative immunological testing.
• To demonstrate the accuracy and repeatability of the ImQuant platform.

Main Methods:

• Designed ImQuant with integrated monochromatic excitation, optical filtering, and real-time image capture.
• Utilized a 12-bit dynamic range CMOS camera and a wideband filter for enhanced accuracy.
• Tested the laboratory prototype with reference cartridges and blood samples using HbA1C test kits.

Main Results:

• The ImQuant system captured fluorescent lines and measured area ratios with a coefficient of variation (CV) below 2%.
• Testing with blood samples on HbA1C kits showed good repeatability, with CV < 2%.
• The motion-free platform demonstrated reliable performance for quantitative immunoassay measurements.

Conclusions:

• ImQuant represents a novel, compact, and reliable platform for motion-free fluorescent scanning of immunoassays.
• The system achieves high accuracy and repeatability, suitable for point-of-care diagnostic applications.
• ImQuant is a versatile platform for developing various immunoassay test kits and instruments.