Paper based analytical devices for blood grouping: a comprehensive review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Blood group (BG) antigens are crucial for safe blood transfusions, as they can elicit immune responses causing hemolysis.
• While ABO and D (Rh) antigens are primary, secondary antigens also hold clinical significance.
• Conventional serological typing methods can be time-consuming, necessitating rapid and accurate alternatives for clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the progress and utility of paper-based microfluidic devices (μPADs) for blood grouping.
• To explore the potential of μPADs as a point-of-care diagnostic tool for rapid blood typing.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar).
• Keywords included 'blood grouping,' 'paper analytical device,' and 'rapid test.'
• 16 relevant studies published between 2010 and 2020 were analyzed, focusing on μPAD principles, materials, and performance.

Main Results:

• Two primary μPAD principles for blood typing were identified: lateral chromatographic flow and vertical flow-through methods.
• Various factors influencing detection clarity, such as paper type, blood sample, buffer interactions, and device stability, were discussed.
• Studies demonstrated high accuracy (often 100%) and significantly reduced action times compared to conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• Paper-based microfluidic devices (μPADs) are simple, stable, cost-effective, portable, and biocompatible for blood grouping.
• μPADs demonstrate significant potential as a robust and universal platform for rapid blood typing.
• These devices are well-suited for point-of-care applications, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in diverse clinical scenarios.