Optical detection of red blood cells immunocaptured by biochips in a mobile device called SmarTTransfuser

Abstract

In France, before each transfusion, ABO compatibility test is required. The ultimate pre-transfusion test is manually performed by means of a dedicated card and interpreted by nurses at the patient bedside. Despite this manual test, blood transfusion accidents still exist. Today, no bedside test is completely reliable and the current procedure does not prevent human errors. We propose a new opto-fluidic device based on the concept of protein biochips and optical detection. Biochips, playing the same role as the reaction zones of the current pretransfusion cards, are placed into single-use cartridges. ABO compatibility test is automatically performed by means of an external reader/actuator. This project reinforces transfusion safety not only for patients but also for caregivers.