A simple and smart telemedicine device for developing regions: a pocket-sized colorimetric reader

Lab Chip. 2011 Jan 7;11(1):120-6. doi: 10.1039/c0lc00209g. Epub 2010 Nov 26.

Abstract

We have proposed a novel mobile healthcare platform, combining a pocket-sized colorimetric reader (13.5 × 6.5 × 2.5 cm(3)) and commercially available 10-parameter urinalysis paper strips (glucose, protein, glucose, bilirubin, urobilinogen, ketones, nitrite, pH, specific gravity, erythrocytes, and leukocytes), capable of sending data with a smart phone. The reader includes a novel colorimetric multi-detection module, which consists of three-chromatic light-emitting diodes, silicon photodiodes and a novel poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) optical splitter. We employed data reading methods using conversions of the signal data (red, blue, and green) to the hue (H) color map or the Y model data, and used a curve-fitting method for the quantification. The reader is battery-powered, inexpensive, light-weight, and very speedy in analysis. And, it was applied to detection of a thousand of human urine samples and demonstrated reliable quantification of urinary glucose and protein. The features can be used by unskilled people on-site to transfer the analyzed data to experts off-site.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Colorimetry / economics
  • Colorimetry / instrumentation
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Telemedicine / economics
  • Telemedicine / instrumentation*
  • Urinalysis / economics
  • Urinalysis / instrumentation*