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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Dynamic Multiparameter Platelet Function Assessment Using a Capacitive Biosensor
Published on: May 2, 2025
A MEMS-based point-of-care platelet counting system
Luke A Beardslee1,2, E Kendall Williams3, Durga Gajula2
1Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Insights
A novel point-of-care sensor using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) can measure platelet counts from a single blood drop. This technology aims to simplify monitoring for pediatric patients with thrombocytopenia, reducing hospital visits.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Hematology Diagnostics
Background:
- Thrombocytopenia poses a significant challenge for pediatric patients undergoing treatment for hematological malignancies.
- Current monitoring methods involve frequent laboratory tests or emergency room visits, causing distress for patients and families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based point-of-care diagnostic sensor for assessing blood platelet concentrations.
- To enable at-home monitoring of platelet counts, alleviating the burden on pediatric patients and their families.
Main Methods:
- Design and fabrication of a MEMS-based sensor utilizing the forces exerted by platelets during clot formation for transduction.
- Integration of the sensor into a small form-factor system for point-of-care application.
- Initial testing and validation of the sensor's performance using a single drop of blood.
Main Results:
- Successful development and initial testing of a MEMS-based sensor for platelet count assessment.
- Demonstration of the sensor's ability to measure platelet concentrations using a minimal blood sample.
- Preliminary results indicate the feasibility of a point-of-care system for thrombocytopenia monitoring.
Conclusions:
- The developed MEMS sensor shows promise as a point-of-care diagnostic tool for platelet count.
- This technology has the potential to significantly improve the management of thrombocytopenia in pediatric cancer patients.
- Further development could lead to a user-friendly system for home-based monitoring, enhancing patient care and reducing healthcare burdens.
Abstract:
Thrombocytopenia is a major issue in pediatric patients undergoing therapy for hematological malignancies. A point-of-care test to measure platelet count will help alleviate the burden for these patients and their families by allowing them to test for thrombocytopenia at home instead of through frequent lab tests or by going to the emergency room if there is concern for easy bleeding. We present the development and initial testing of a silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based point-of-care diagnostic sensor to assess blood platelet concentrations. The transduction principle of the sensor is based on the forces that platelets exert in forming blood clots. The test uses a single drop of blood and can be realized as a small form factor system containing the developed sensor. We present the design, fabrication, electronic system integration and preliminary results towards the development of this point-of-care sensor for platelet count.
