Issue 5, 2014

Lab-in-a-pen: a diagnostics format familiar to patients for low-resource settings

Abstract

We present a low cost, simple and integrated device for medical diagnostics in low-resource settings called the lab-in-a-pen. Finger pricking, and sample collection and processing, are integrated with commercially available paper-based assays in a pen format. This approach ensures safety (i.e. biological sample and sharps containment) and can be used by untrained end users across multiple settings. The pen format also leverages existing low cost, high volume manufacturing and assembly methods. We characterize sample wicking in the lab-in-a-pen using porcine whole blood. The clinical diagnostic utility and usability of the lab-in-a-pen is established by testing of patients for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B ā€˜eā€™ antigen (HBeAg) by medical staff at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Graphical abstract: Lab-in-a-pen: a diagnostics format familiar to patients for low-resource settings

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
17 Oct 2013
Accepted
23 Dec 2013
First published
02 Jan 2014

Lab Chip, 2014,14, 957-963

Lab-in-a-pen: a diagnostics format familiar to patients for low-resource settings

M. M. Gong, B. D. MacDonald, T. V. Nguyen, K. Van Nguyen and D. Sinton, Lab Chip, 2014, 14, 957 DOI: 10.1039/C3LC51185E

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