A fluid transition into the field

Abstract

Diagnostics Many point-of-care diagnostics rely on lateral flow assays or microfluidics; however, these methods generally cannot test multiple samples simultaneously. Ng et al. optimized inkjet-printed digital microfluidic cartridges and a portable control system to perform serological immunoassays in remote settings. Digital microfluidics use electrostatic forces to mix and separate reagents and samples in small droplets of fluids. The system measured immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies for measles and rubella in human blood samples obtained from adults and children on site in a refugee camp in Kenya. Four samples could be tested simultaneously, although digital microfluidic IgG detection was less sensitive and specific than laboratory-based ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) testing of matched serum samples. The emergence of this field-compatible technology brings with it tools for advancing global health. Sci. Transl. Med. 10 , aar6076 (2018).