Wireless colorimetric readout to enable resource-limited point-of-care

Abstract

A scalable, generic wireless colour detector for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings is presented. The challenges faced in these settings have limited the effectiveness of point-of-care diagnostics. By combining the growing fields of paper-based diagnostics and printed electronics with Southern African clinic perspectives, a mass-producible, low-cost, paper-based solution for result readout and communication was developed. Printed radio frequency identification devices with sensing capabilities were manufactured, targeting colour detection from lateral flow test strip devices and other typical paper-based rapid test formats. The results were compared to those obtained from a commercial lateral flow test strip reader and image analysis using ImageJ, and demonstrate suitability for delivering automated readout and communication of results. The wireless colour detector is compatible with different test strip form factors, providing a modular solution and reducing the need for training. The solution is low cost and maintenance free, and thus fitting for resource-limited settings. A scalable version of the solution has been developed, making use of standard manufacturing processes for printing and packaging industries, initially using sheet-to-sheet formats, but with the goal of being scalable to roll-to-roll processes. This would enable the possibility of local manufacture, and mass distribution of the devices to those resource-limited areas where they are most needed, and where they will have the greatest impact on point-of-care testing.