Capillary agglutination technology is said to provide a simple yet robust method of diagnostic testing which could be widely adapted to many applications
Platform Diagnostics's disposable digital pregnancy test demonstrates how capillary agglutination technology (Cat) provides a simple yet robust method of diagnostic testing which could be widely adapted to many applications for the growing point of care market.
The method is based on flow of a liquid by capillary force to an electrode sensor where contact completes a circuit producing a positive signal.
In the pregnancy test example, the pregnancy hormone hCG will react with the dried latex agglutination reagent contained in the capillary to form a glutinous complex, impeding the flow of liquid and slowing its arrival at the sensor compared to the control capillary.
Thus, if only one circuit is completed at the time when the control reaches the electrode, a positive result is indicated whereas if both circuits are completed a negative result is displayed.
This simple digital logic reduces the power requirements and costs of the integrated circuit (IC).
Using fewer components keeps material and assembly costs low while increasing reliability.
The digital test device can be manufactured as a disposable unit or developed with a separate reader capable of interpreting multiple analytes and quantitative measurements.
Because it uses completely different technology from lateral flow membrane POC tests, Cat technology infringes no patents, says Platform Diagnostics.
Cat has itself three patent applications protecting its technology.
Platform Diagnostics is looking to license the technology and support third parties through the provision of starter kits and consultancy advice.
Such an agreement removes the capital expense of capillary manufacture and allows small as well as large companies to investigate the technology.
