Technology
SpinChip has developed a game-changing multi-analyte platform allowing lab-quality in vitro diagnosis to be performed quickly, easily and reliably in point-of-care settings.
This is achieved by combining:
- a unique micro-fluidic concept based on dual axle centrifugation
- a vision system for real-time fluidics control and monitoring
- state of the art labels, reagent formulations and assaying concepts
- two complementary readout systems integrated with the platform
This allows for unmatched flexibility and efficiency in microfluidic handling and multiple readout possibilities. This further enables analysing a variety of sample types according to a wide range of assay principles.
Ease of use
Sample type and volumes drawn with the sampling device integrated in the cartridge, will vary with the test requested. In the high sensitivity tests, including cardiac Troponin I (hs-cTnI), the integrated sampling device collect just 14 µL of whole blood from a finger, or whole blood or plasma directly from tubes. This implies the same procedure and volumes for all types of specimens. This very small volume need not be exact, and the instrument will inform the user when there is too little or too much sample. Upon closing the cartridge with the sampling device, the cartridge is sealed and the liquid reagent container within the cartridge is activated.
To start the test, the cartridge is placed in a cartridge drawer (loading module) and thereby automatically transferred to and locked into the rotor disc inside the analyser. The vision system will then read the 2D data matrix code printed on the cartridge and inspect the intactness of the cartridge, as well as the state of the sample and the reagents. This 2D code contains all relevant information required for running the test cartridge, including test ID, lot calibration data and expiry date.
Reliability and robustness
The vision control system of the analyzer is key in the control of all fluidic operations within the cartridge. Throughout the assay processing, the vision system supervises the correctness of liquid processing, including separation of plasma from blood cells, exact metering, dissolving reagents, mixing, splitting and interacting samples and reagents as well as washing any solid phase used in the assay. This enables detection of erroneous situations (fail-safes) that would otherwise lead to inaccurate assay results. The vision system is hence used for real-time process control whenever required.
Versatile connectivity
The user communicates with the instrument via a touch display. Furthermore, the instrument holds connectivity features for communication with lab-journal systems as well as off-the-shelf equipment such as barcode readers, printers and more.