Microfluidic device for full blood count

Abstract

A microfluidic device (10) for full blood count includes a first measurement channel (11) and a second measurement channel (12) separated from the first measurement channel (11). The microfluidic device (10) furthermore includes a first inlet (13) for providing a whole blood sample to the first and second measurement channel (11, 12), a second inlet (14) for providing a lysis agent for white blood cell count in to the first channel (11), a third inlet (15) for providing a quench solution to the first channel (11), and a fourth inlet (16) for providing a lysis agent for hemoglobin measurement to the second channel (12). A method for forming such a microfluidic device (10) and a method for performing a full blood count test using such a microfluidic device (10) are described.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a division of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 146,324, filed on Jul. 27, 2011, which is a National Stage Application of PCT / IB2010 / 050327, filed on Jan. 26, 2010 and which claims the benefit of European Patent Application Number 09151420.8, filed on Jan. 27, 2009, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to microfluidic methods and devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a microfluidic device for full blood count (FBC), a method for forming such a microfluidic device and a method for performing a full blood count test (FBC test) using such a microfluidic device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Full blood count (FBC) is a diagnostic test that is used to measure cellular composition of blood. It may give information about the status of an immune system of a patient, about the ability of the bl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a microfluidic device that can detect different chemistries and particles, including red blood cells. The device can accurately detect red blood cell count, platelets count, and Hb using an optical measurement means. Additionally, the device can perform large dilutions with a single diluent, reducing the amount of reagent and time needed. This makes the device cost-effective and user-friendly, with potential applications in point-of-care haematology analyzers.

Problems solved by technology

The high cost and complexity of these devices, coupled to the need for venous blood, means that they are mostly large scale, centralized facilities.

Drabkin's reagent contains Potassium Cyanide, which is extremely toxic.

This large dilution causes an inherent imprecision in the method.

Finally, in some pathological samples, turbidity can lead to erroneously high absorption readings, which in turn will give rise to an incorrect Hb concentration.

However, none of the above described devices and techniques are capable of measuring all parameters that are required for an FBC at ones.

In other words, none of the devices and techniques described above are able to perform a complete FBC test at the point of care.

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