Abstract: A point-of-test diagnostic chip that is capable of simultaneous evaluation of blood coagulation time (INR Value) and hematocrit level. A finger prick volume of blood is placed at the inlet of the device, and the residual vacuum contained within the device provides a pressure gradient to drive the flow of whole blood. The INR value is determined by the distance the blood traverses down the channel before it coagulates. The channel is primed with tissue factor and phospholipids to induce coagulation. A control channel is primed with anticoagulants for use as a way to normalize initial loading times. The hematocrit level is determined by sedimentation of blood cells into a trench and the interface between blood cells that have overfilled the trench and plasma provide a visual readout.

Abstract: An apparatus with a self-contained, tunable, microfluidic pumping system that utilizes the high air permeability of the matrix material to actuate fluid flow in a network of fluidic microchannels and microstructures is provided. The pumping relies upon partial evacuation of degas/vacuum channels that are located next to the fluid channels to degas air from the fluid channels or structures producing a reduction of pressure in the fluidic channel leading to the flow of fluid from an inlet at atmospheric pressure through the device. The solution is isolated from the pumping apparatus since the liquid does not pass through the diffusion barriers. The apparatus and method can also provide bubble-free microfluidic pumping, without any auxiliary equipment or device pre-treatment, and can fill dead-end channels and chambers, providing a powerful liquid handling tool for a broad range of applications.

Abstract: An apparatus with a self-contained, tunable, microfluidic pumping system that utilizes the high air permeability of the matrix material to actuate fluid flow in a network of fluidic microchannels and microstructures is provided. The pumping relies upon partial evacuation of degas/vacuum channels that are located next to the fluid channels to degas air from the fluid channels or structures producing a reduction of pressure in the fluidic channel leading to the flow of fluid from an inlet at atmospheric pressure through the device. The solution is isolated from the pumping apparatus since the liquid does not pass through the diffusion barriers. The apparatus and method can also provide bubble-free microfluidic pumping, without any auxiliary equipment or device pre-treatment, and can fill dead-end channels and chambers, providing a powerful liquid handling tool for a broad range of applications.

Abstract: A point-of-test diagnostic chip that is capable of simultaneous evaluation of blood coagulation time (INR Value) and hematocrit level. A finger prick volume of blood is placed at the inlet of the device, and the residual vacuum contained within the device provides a pressure gradient to drive the flow of whole blood. The INR value is determined by the distance the blood traverses down the channel before it coagulates. The channel is primed with tissue factor and phospholipids to induce coagulation. A control channel is primed with anticoagulants for use as a way to normalize initial loading times. The hematocrit level is determined by sedimentation of blood cells into a trench and the interface between blood cells that have overfilled the trench and plasma provide a visual readout.