Mobile device for disease diagnosis and data tracking in resource-limited settings

Methods Mol Biol. 2015:1256:3-14. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2172-0_1.

Abstract

Here we describe a low-cost mobile device that combines cell-phone and satellite communication technologies with fluid miniaturization techniques for performing all essential functions of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Disease-specific antigens are immobilized on the microfluidic surface, and disease specific antibodies are captured on the surface and visualized with silver-gold amplification. The diagnostic result is automatically determined by the device by measuring the absorbance through the silver-gold amplification in the microchannel. The results are displayed for the user and are synchronized to a remote patient record. The overall system aims to be portable, robust, low-power, and fully utilize the ability of mobile devices for bringing better health care to resource poor areas.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / chemistry
  • Antigens / analysis*
  • Biomedical Technology / economics
  • Biomedical Technology / instrumentation*
  • Biomedical Technology / methods
  • Cell Phone / economics
  • Cell Phone / instrumentation
  • Developing Countries
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Health Records, Personal
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / economics
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Satellite Communications
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Telemedicine / economics
  • Telemedicine / instrumentation*
  • Telemedicine / methods

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antigens
  • Silver
  • Gold