Efficient point of care testing thanks to microfluidics

Point of Care Testing (POCT) is the performance of diagnostic tests directly on the patient’s ward, in the office of a practicing physician, or in a pharmacy. The laboratory diagnostics are therefore performed close to the patient and not in a centralised lab. Some examples include pregnancy testing, diabetic blood glucose testing, and rapid corona testing.

Identifying COVID-19 at the Point of Care

Point-of-care diagnostics for pathogens such as MRSA or COVID-19 are particularly exciting for the field of microfluidics. They offer a wide range of options for performing these tests quickly and thoroughly – without having to send samples to central laboratories.

The mp6 micropump transports various liquids in the POCT device of our customer Genspeed Biotech. That way, a very accurate Covid test within 15 minutes is possible. You can find more info about our client on our website.

Improved testing through active microfluidics

In active microfluidics, liquids or gases are actively transported with the aid of a pump, in our case the mp6 micropump. This contrasts with passive microfluidics, in which the fluid is moved by capillary forces, e.g. the paper strip in the corona test. Many point of care procedures can be improved by the use of active microfluidics:

• The result is available faster . Due to the active pumping of the fluids, chemical reactions can take place more quickly.
• The test is more accurate. In POCT with automatic microfluidic devices, the results are read out by the device itself. Even slight fluctuations in the virus load or similar are detected.
• The process is easier. After the sample is placed in the device, the test is performed automatically. This eliminates the human factor. Even complex tests with many steps can be performed in this way.

Build your own point of care system

Where can you start now? All Bartels systems are modular. So, you can buy the components you need for your system individually and combine them. Or you can buy one of our kits. Here we have already made a pre-selection for you.

We are also happy to support you in setting up your POCT system. Contact us! We can offer you with our standard components as well as personalized new developments by our engineering team.