A MEMS-based point-of-care platelet counting system.

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a major issue in pediatric patients undergoing therapy for hematological malignancies. A point-of-care test to measure platelet count will help alleviate the burden for these patients and their families by allowing them to test for thrombocytopenia at home instead of through frequent lab tests or by going to the emergency room if there is concern for easy bleeding. We present the development and initial testing of a silicon microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based point-of-care diagnostic sensor to assess blood platelet concentrations. The transduction principle of the sensor is based on the forces that platelets exert in forming blood clots. The test uses a single drop of blood and can be realized as a small form factor system containing the developed sensor. We present the design, fabrication, electronic system integration and preliminary results towards the development of this point-of-care sensor for platelet count.