Lensless microscopy for rapid portable hematology diagnostics at the point of care

We are developing a new lensless imaging technology for point-of-care diagnostic testing. This technology enables us to create pocket-sized diagnostic devices with greater resolution but far lower cost than ordinary lens-based microscopes or other instruments for corresponding diagnostic use. These devices require only a drop of blood from a pinprick, rather than tubes of blood from a vein, and will yield immediate results in the patient's presence. We will use this technology to develop rapid blood cell diagnostics, focusing on complete blood counts (which are among the most commonly ordered of all diagnostic blood tests), as well as detection of abnormal cells (e.g., sickle cells) and absolute counts of specific lymphocyte types, e.g., CD4+ cells (a key marker of immune system function in HIV disease). Starting from our current proof-of-principle prototypes, the devices will be optimized for these tests, including specimen handling and computer vision software for automated quantitative analysis. Devices will be validated by direct comparison (including in clinical settings) with gold standard tests in current hospital use. These new devices will be suitable for use in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, emergency rooms and, uniquely, in remote settings: devices will be battery powered and Bluetooth-enabled, so data can be relayed, if needed, to specialists at distant sites.