Insight
Nature 442, 412-418 (27 July 2006) | doi:10.1038/nature05064; Published online 26 July 2006
Microfluidic diagnostic technologies for global public health
Paul Yager1, Thayne Edwards1, Elain Fu1, Kristen Helton1, Kjell Nelson1, Milton R. Tam2 and Bernhard H. Weigl3
Abstract
The developing world does not have access to many of the best medical diagnostic technologies; they were designed for air-conditioned laboratories, refrigerated storage of chemicals, a constant supply of calibrators and reagents, stable electrical power, highly trained personnel and rapid transportation of samples. Microfluidic systems allow miniaturization and integration of complex functions, which could move sophisticated diagnostic tools out of the developed-world laboratory. These systems must be inexpensive, but also accurate, reliable, rugged and well suited to the medical and social contexts of the developing world.
