A lab on a chip system, based on the detection of nucleic acids, has been developed by researchers in the US and the Netherlands.

Disposable microfluidic cassette

Haim Bau and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania and Leiden University Medical Centre made a device that considerably widens the range of infectious diseases diagnosable at point of care.

The stand-alone system is small enough to fit in a pocket and amplifies the DNA in clinical samples by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This allows rapid processing and accurate reporting of results - all in a disposal cassette. It is easier than the traditional method for taking clinical samples from patients and sending them away for analysis. 

Bau's group plans to use this technology in a more integrated system for use in the consulting room, but also say their current work will find applications in monitoring the quality of food and water. This system also has the potential to detect pathogens in the environment.

Merlin Fox