(368x) Electrochemical Based Microfluidic Blood Cell Counter

Complete/Full blood cell counts (CBCs) are frequently requested and highly informative haematological procedures in hospital settings. Presently, diagnostics based on blood tests are limited to centralised laboratory settings, where they heavily depend on the use of costly cytometers or microscopes that are both enormous in size and require skilled laboratory staff. The CBC test typically provides counts of white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), platelets, and levels of haemoglobin. These findings can aid in the identification and evaluation of numerous illnesses and therapies. As a result, rural and semi-urban areas lack these facilities, which poses difficulties in providing effective healthcare infrastructure at a reasonable cost in resource-limited circumstances. There is a significant demand for a portable point-of-care blood cell counter that can provide results within minutes using a small amount of blood without the need for skilled operators. The concept we suggest utilises advancements in microfluidics and lab-on-chip fabrication techniques to shrink the size of the traditional cytometer and greatly decrease expenses. We are currently working on the development of microfluidic biochips that have the ability to do a partial complete blood count (CBC) using just a small amount of whole blood as shown in Fig (a). The complete platelet count is obtained by utilising 10 μL of blood, in which the red blood cells are broken down on the chip. The platelets are then electrically counted using microfabricated Cu, Ag, and Co electrodes. In order to count red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets, a small amount of whole blood, specifically 1 μL, is mixed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on a microchip. The cells are then electrically counted within a short period of time. The device comprises a disposable microchip with dimensions similar to those of a credit card that is pre-loaded with chemical substances. The sample is placed on the microchip and is effectively isolated from the surrounding environment. The controller carries out the essential tasks of fluid management and impedance measurements to provide accurate results within minutes. This technique has the potential to be highly useful in hospitals, private clinics, retail clinics, and poor countries.