Lab-on-paper diagnostics for blood sample analysis: a review

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional laboratory diagnostics are often inaccessible in resource-limited settings.
• There is a growing need for portable, low-cost diagnostic tools for decentralized testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of lab-on-paper diagnostics for blood analysis.
• To highlight advancements, challenges, and future directions in this field.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent technological advancements in paper-based microfluidic device fabrication (e.g., wax printing, laser cutting).
• Analysis of innovative fluid control, detection strategies (colorimetry, electrochemistry, fluorescence), and on-chip sample pretreatment (plasma separation, analyte concentration).

Main Results:

• Lab-on-paper devices enable decentralized blood analysis with integrated sample pretreatment.
• These platforms can detect various blood-borne biomarkers, offering potential for global health equity.
• Key fabrication techniques and detection methods have been advanced.

Conclusions:

• Paper-based diagnostics represent a significant advancement for point-of-care testing, especially in resource-constrained environments.
• Addressing challenges in durability, environmental resilience, and digital integration is crucial for widespread adoption.
• Lab-on-paper technology holds transformative potential for accessible and equitable healthcare worldwide.