Microfluidic diagnostic technologies for global public health.
The developing world does not have access to many of the best medical diagnostic technologies; they were designed for air-conditioned laboratories, refrigerated storage of chemicals, a constant supply of calibrators and reagents, stable electrical power, highly trained personnel and rapid transportation of samples. Microfluidic systems allow miniaturization and integration of complex functions, which could move sophisticated diagnostic tools out of the developed-world laboratory. These systems must be inexpensive, but also accurate, reliable, rugged and well suited to the medical and social contexts of the developing world.
Yager
Paul
P
Department of Bioengineering, Box 355061, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA. yagerp@u.washington.edu
Edwards
Thayne
T
Fu
Elain
E
Helton
Kristen
K
Nelson
Kjell
K
Tam
Milton R
MR
Weigl
Bernhard H
BH
D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011634:Public Health / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends