Electrochemical Point-Of-Care Cerebrospinal Fluid Detection

Brief Description

A revolutionary device for the diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks with rapid, accurate, and low-volume sampling at the point of care.

Full Description

Researchers at UC Irvine developed a pioneering "lab-on-a-chip" point-of-care device leveraging electrochemical-aptamer based electrodes for the detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Utilizing custom-designed aptamers specific to beta-2 transferrin protein, this non-invasive device promises to deliver results within minutes, requiring only minimal sample volumes and ensuring accuracy even in samples contaminated with other bodily fluids.

Suggested uses

• Hospitals and emergency departments for immediate CSF leak detection. 
• Clinics and primary care settings for routine screening and diagnosis. 
• Neurology and neurosurgery departments for pre- and post-operative evaluation. 
• Research institutions for studying CSF dynamics and related diseases.

Advantages

• Rapid detection of CSF within minute, enhancing patient care. 
• High sensitivity and specificity for CSF-specific biomarkers, enabling accurate diagnosis. 
• Low sample volume requirement, facilitating easier sample collection.
• Non-invasive with potential for self-administration, improving patient comfort and compliance. 
• Portable and easy to use, akin to a glucometer, for use in various healthcare settings. 
• Reduces the need for costly, time-consuming laboratory tests and specialized imaging.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending

State Of Development

Experimental stage (in vitro demonstrations using clinical samples).

Related Materials

• Torabi, S. J., Abiri, A., et al. Luptak, A., Khine, M., Kuan, E. C. (2024). Multimodal diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorreha: State of the art review and emerging concetps. Laryngoscope Investig. Otolaryngol. 9 (3).
• Abiri, A., et al. Luptak, A., Khine, M., Kuan, E. C. (2024). In vitro selection of human cerebrospinal fluid-specific aptamers using clinical samples. Rhinology