A rapid ADAMTS13 activity assay using a portable readout device

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Hematology

Background:

• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on measuring ADAMTS13 activity and detecting related antibodies.
• Current assays have long turnaround times, delaying critical treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a rapid, portable microfluidic luminescence-based assay for ADAMTS13.
• To enable simultaneous quantification of ADAMTS13 activity and detection of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies.
• To improve diagnostic turnaround time for TTP management.

Main Methods:

• A microfluidic cartridge with immobilized VWF A2 domain-luciferase chimera was designed.
• A portable processor with photon sensors quantifies luminescence upon ADAMTS13 cleavage.
• Recombinant ADAMTS13 inhibition assay detects anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies.

Main Results:

• The ADAMTS13_lum assay demonstrated linear correlation between signal output and ADAMTS13 activity.
• Results showed good agreement with existing commercial ADAMTS13 activity assays.
• Simultaneous measurement of ADAMTS13 activity and antibody detection was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The developed portable ADAMTS13_lum assay provides rapid and simultaneous diagnostic information.
• This technology has the potential to significantly shorten TTP diagnostic turnaround times.
• Enables quicker clinical decisions for patients with TTP.