Medical LFA reader
As a collaboration of the Wageningen University and HAN University of Applied Sciences the both parties are working on further development of the LFA-analysis. This stands for Lateral Flow Assay and is used for the detection of anti-bodies, enzymes or hormones which a patient might be the bearer of. The principle is similar to a pregnancy test. A liquid sample passes along a detection strip, after which a discoloration on the detection strip indicates the presence of an analyte. This way a quick and trustworthy test is established.
The latest generation of Lateral Flow Strips doesn't use detections lines anymore, but dots to test more analytes at the same time. While allowing more analytes to pass at one time, this makes the read-out process, which is carried out by a doctor, quite a bit harder. This is where the HAN comes in with a LFA-reader which scans the micro-array and sends the analysed results to the doctor via a computer-connection.
As part of this design project we we're tasked to make use of a recently, newly designed LFA cassette and design and prototype a new LFA-reader. Together with feedback from the client we integrated all the electrical components and started analysing the workflow of and with the apparatus to better understand the process and integrate useability into the new design. After an intermediate feedback moment to choose the concept we developed the chosen concept even more and made a prototype. This included 3D-printing the CAD-model and testing the electrical components.
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Medical product - Advanced technology - Electrical componentry - Designing and prototyping - 3D-printing - Useability
