Jay G. Schwichtenberg

Enabling Technologies for a Personal Flow Cytometer (Part I)

The paper reports on three key technologies that have enabled the development of a wearable flow cytometer: flow sensing and control based on low-power MEMS-based sensors/actuators; microfluidic processing based on miniaturized disposable plastic cartridges; and optical detection based on arrays of solid-state lasers/detectors and integrated micro-optics. This instrument can provide early detection of viral and bacterial infections based on quick (30 seconds) measurement of lymphocyte and neutrophil counts [1]. Personnel with little or no medical training can use this low-cost, low-maintenance instrument in doctor’s offices, homes, and public/private-sector facilities. Multiparameter scattering-based or fluorescence-based cytometers can be developed based on this technology for clinical, industrial and military applications.