This project aimed at bringing early stage concept of microfluidic Dried Blood Spot sampling to a technology readiness level where the concept had been validated in terms of robustness, for clinical use, and where the market potential had been investigated.
From early lab prototypes we developed a ready-to-use Dried Blod Spot card allowing volume-defined samples and quantitative blood analysis to be made from simple, and minimal invasive, finger pricking. This would allow simplified blood sampling for healthcare providers and potentially allowing patients themselves to leave blood samples. This would be great improvement making it possible to leave blood samples from home to be mailed to the clinic avoiding spending patient’s time and healthcare resources.
In the project we validated the technical, clinical and business aspects of the technology. We investigated and developed packaging and user requirements. We tested and verified use finger-prick sampling of volunteers, and we verified analysis of a number of pharmaceuticals and metabolites using the blood sampling device.
The project showed that there is a clear market opportunity for a disposable DBS blood sampling device. Primary target markets are in therapeutic drug monitoring of drugs that need to be specially adapted to individual patients, for example immunosuppressive and antiepileptic drugs.
In summary, we have successfully achieved our objectives in the project. We have further prepared for commercialization and started a spin-off company around the idea where we now are ready to sell and take this enterprise to the next level and transform the blood sampling industry.
