A portable spinning disc for complete blood count (CBC)

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Hematology
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) is crucial for diagnosing pathological conditions.
• Current CBC methods are expensive, requiring specialized equipment and trained staff.
• There is a significant need for affordable and accessible blood diagnostic tools, especially in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, portable device for complete blood count (CBC) analysis.
• To overcome the financial and logistical barriers associated with conventional hematological testing.
• To provide an accurate and efficient alternative for blood cell counting in underserved regions.

Main Methods:

• A novel microfluidic disc platform utilizing density-based cell separation.
• Label-free imaging for counting separated blood cells within microfluidic channels.
• A spinning disc mechanism to facilitate separation and analysis.

Main Results:

• The device accurately estimates hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts.
• Achieved accuracy exceeds 95% when compared to automated hematology analyzers.
• Demonstrated potential for multiple sample testing on a single, biodegradable disc.

Conclusions:

• The developed device offers a cost-effective solution for CBC testing.
• Its simple design, portability, and automation potential make it suitable for point-of-care applications.
• This technology can significantly improve access to essential hematological diagnostics in resource-constrained environments.