Measuring markers of liver function using a micropatterned paper device designed for blood from a fingerstick

Anal Chem. 2012 Mar 20;84(6):2883-91. doi: 10.1021/ac203434x. Epub 2012 Mar 2.

Abstract

This paper describes a paper-based microfluidic device that measures two enzymatic markers of liver function (alkaline phosphatase, ALP, and aspartate aminotransferase, AST) and total serum protein. A device consists of four components: (i) a top plastic sheet, (ii) a filter membrane, (iii) a patterned paper chip containing the reagents necessary for analysis, and (iv) a bottom plastic sheet. The device performs both the sample preparation (separating blood plasma from erythrocytes) and the assays; it also enables both qualitative and quantitative analysis of data. The data obtained from the paper-microfluidic devices show standard deviations in calibration runs and "spiked" standards that are acceptable for routine clinical use. This device illustrates a type of test useable for a range of assays in resource-poor settings.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / metabolism
  • Blood Proteins / analysis*
  • Calibration
  • Equipment Design
  • Filtration / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Liver / enzymology*
  • Liver Function Tests / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Paper*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alkaline Phosphatase