Novel Point-of-Care Diagnostic Device Performs Several Tests from a Single Sample Preparation

A prototype model of a portable multipurpose point-of-care diagnostic analyzer was used in proof-of-principle studies that established the potential usefulness of this type of instrument.

Most instruments for point-of-care testing were designed for a single purpose such as measuring blood glucose or for home pregnancy detection, requiring clinics to purchase numerous devices to cover the range of diagnostic tests to be performed. While these tests are simple to perform individually, each device often has a different sample preparation procedure that must be performed for each test. Having different sample preparation procedures for each diagnostic test increases the time to perform several tests, as samples must be prepared separately, and increases the chance of error due to improper sample preparation.


A new device, developed at Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA) eliminates the problem of different preparation procedures by combining several point-of-care applications into a single, easy-to-use device with a common method of sample preparation.

The "AcµRay" system consists of a small diagnostic device that can be connected to a computer through a USB port. Diagnostic tests are performed by plugging a sensor into the device, then passing a blood sample through the detector. The attached computer analyzes and reports the results of the test. The sensors comprise a small microchip that can be coated with different antibodies that detect selected biomarkers. Biomarker binding to the antibodies on the chip changes its acoustic signature, which is detected by the detector and interpreted by the computer. Various diagnostics tests can be carried out by the AcµRay device by simply unplugging one sensor and plugging in a new one.

So far, a prototype of the AcµRay instrument has been built, and a proof-of-principle study was successfully carried out in which the acoustic sensor employed a biomarker for mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

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Emory University