We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Real-Time Mobile Laboratory Developed for Needle Device

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 12 Oct 2015
Print article
Image: The two key lab in a chip components with a syringe for scale, which will allow for rapid liver toxicity tests (Photo courtesy of Nanyang Technological University).
Image: The two key lab in a chip components with a syringe for scale, which will allow for rapid liver toxicity tests (Photo courtesy of Nanyang Technological University).
A truly practical lab-on-a-chip (LOC) system for point-of-care testing (POCT) hepatotoxicity assessment necessitates the embodiment of full-automation, ease-of-use and “sample-in-answer-out” diagnostic capabilities.

A laboratory in a needle device has been developed that could provide instant results to routine laboratory tests, accelerating treatment and diagnosis by days. This single, self-contained medical device will be effective, for example, in quickly detecting liver toxicity which is a common side effect of chemotherapy. This device will test toxicity in 30 minutes while current liver toxicity tests take several days due to multiple steps required before a physician interprets the test results and communicates them to the patient.

Scientists at Houston Methodist Research Institute (TX, USA) working with colleagues in Singapore developed an integrated LOC system that is somewhat close to a practical POCT hepatotoxicity assessment device as it embodies both tissue sample preparation and multiplex real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It features semi-automation, is relatively easy to use, and has “sample-in-answer-out” capabilities for multiplex gene expression analysis.

The tissue sample preparation module incorporated both a micro-homogenizer and surface-treated paramagnetic microbeads that yielded high-purity messenger ribonucleic (mRNA) extracts— considerably better than manual means of extraction. A primer preloading surface treatment procedure and the single-loading inlet on the multiplex real-time RT-PCR module simplified off-chip handling procedures for ease-of-use. Elevations in the two examined gene markers of liver toxicity were then accurately detected and consistent with previously known changes, indicating that lab in a needle is an appropriate diagnostic option.

Joseph S. Chang, PhD, a professor at Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and a senior author of the study said, “What we have proven is when the doctor takes a blood or liver sample, the sample can be prepared and analyzed using lab on a chip methods which eliminates the need for wet laboratory work and experts. Our method significantly reduces time, manpower and costs and yet has the same accurate results.” The study was published on September 2, 2105 in the journal Lab on a Chip.

Related Links:

Houston Methodist Research Institute
Nanyang Technological University 


Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The 3D printed miniature ionizer is a key component of a mass spectrometer (Photo courtesy of MIT)

3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models

Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The CAPILLARYS 3 DBS devices have received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance (Photo courtesy of Sebia)

Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns

Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The AI predictive model identifies the most potent cancer killing immune cells for use in immunotherapies (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

AI Predicts Tumor-Killing Cells with High Accuracy

Cellular immunotherapy involves extracting immune cells from a patient's tumor, potentially enhancing their cancer-fighting capabilities through engineering, and then expanding and reintroducing them into the body.... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The T-SPOT.TB test is now paired with the Auto-Pure 2400 liquid handling platform for accurate TB testing (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Integrated Solution Ushers New Era of Automated Tuberculosis Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.3 million deaths every year, positioning it as one of the top killers globally due to a single infectious agent. In 2022, around 10.6 million people were diagnosed... Read more