Blood grouping using a galvanic immunoelectrode sensor

Abstract

Traditional blood grouping techniques have been performed using either direct or indirect hemagglutination or adherence methods. Most procedures are time-consuming to perform, labor intensive and, for the most part, have subjective interpretation. An immunoelectrode system using a pair of electrodes, with either monoclonal antibody or red cell membrane attached to one of the electrode surfaces, has been developed. The fluid (whole blood) to be analyzed is used as an electrical bridge between the electrodes. The analysis of the fluid sample for predetermined immunological reactions can be evaluated by controlling and measuring either the current or the voltage across the two electrodes of the pair. Tests using a printed electrical circuit card of pairs of electrodes (one of the pair coated with a reactant), or a series of electrodes (each coated with a different reactant) with one common reference electrode indicate that the test procedure is rapid (less than 60 seconds) and specific. Tests results read in one hundredth of a second intervals and read at the millivolt or microvolt levels can be electronically scanned, processed through the logic table and immediately interpreted.