A portable microfluidic paper-based analytical device for blood detection and typing assay

We developed a portable device for blood detection as well as blood typing assay, using a microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (mu PADs) which proves to be sensitive, cost-effective, user-friendly and field-appropriate. A different patterned mu PAD was fabricated using wax and a laser printer for detection of blood and ABO and Rh blood typing. Five different blood detection tests and two blood typing systems, i.e. ABO and Rh, were performed within minutes without following any complex protocol and were simple to infer. The performance of this hand-held mu PAD proves it to be a reliable alternative to lab-based tests, at a fraction of the cost and with simplicity. The developed mu PAD provides on-site blood detection as well as blood typing, which proves to be a reasonable and very useful add-on to conventional forensic and clinical investigations.

Automated summary

The developed portable device using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (muPADs) is sensitive, cost-effective, user-friendly, and suitable for field use. It can conduct blood detection tests and blood typing for ABO and Rh within minutes, providing a reliable alternative to lab-based tests at a fraction of the cost and complexity. The device is a valuable addition to conventional forensic and clinical investigations for on-site blood detection and typing.