Portable Rapid Diagnostic Assay Identifies Hemorrhaging Patients Using Small Blood Sample

Hemorrhaging occurs when blood vessels are damaged due to a traumatic event, leading to either visible external or hidden internal bleeding. While external bleeding is easily detectable, internal bleeding, also referred to as internal hemorrhaging, remains hidden from plain sight. Diagnosing internal bleeding demands clinical suspicion and subsequent assessment. Within hospital settings, advanced imaging can confirm these assessments, enabling timely surgical intervention to save lives. However, current methods for detecting hemorrhage are insufficient and require skilled operators, presenting significant diagnostic challenges. Now, a revolutionary internal hemorrhage diagnostic tool could change all that.

DioTeX Diagnostics (Baltimore, MD, USA), comprising a team of undergraduate biomedical engineers from Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD, USA), is developing a portable, dependable, and accessible internal hemorrhage diagnostic tool. Their approach involves using a specific biomarker associated with hemorrhage to create a rapid immunochemistry-based test. By analyzing a small blood sample, this tool can swiftly identify patients with internal bleeding. This test has the potential to revolutionize internal hemorrhage diagnosis, as it can be conducted accurately and consistently by individuals with minimal training. This innovation holds the promise of faster and more appropriate hemorrhage care, potentially saving thousands of lives annually.

Image: A prototype of the portable internal hemorrhage diagnostic tool for prehospital settings (Photo courtesy of DioTeX)

DioTeX has built a prototype of its portable rapid diagnostic assay designed to detect blood biomarkers linked to trauma-induced hemorrhage. This advancement aims to enhance the evaluation and management of internal trauma. Using the device, critical diagnostic results can be obtained and interpreted by anyone, regardless of location. To utilize the device, a blood sample is collected from behind the ear of a patient who may be experiencing internal bleeding. This process employs DioTeX's proprietary blood drawing mechanism. After approximately 5 minutes, users can interpret the test device's reading. A single line indicates no hemorrhage, while two lines indicate the presence of bleeding. The testing device requires minimal training, making it practical for use in settings with limited resources and in rural areas.

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DioTeX Diagnostics 
Johns Hopkins University