The Canadian Press: 'Lab on a chip' could one day be tool in doctors' offices, clinics

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'Lab on a chip' could one day be tool in doctors' offices, clinics

By Sheryl Ubelacker Health Reporter (CP) – 4 days ago

TORONTO — Canadian researchers have developed a "lab-on-a-chip" device that measures estrogen from minuscule samples of blood and tissue - a technology they believe could one day be used to more quickly assess a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

While only a prototype now, scientists at the University of Toronto predict a more refined version of the gadget could become a routine screening tool in doctors' offices and clinics within five years.

The chip can analyze blood or tissue samples a thousand times smaller than those required for conventional laboratory testing, said co-principal investigator Aaron Wheeler. That would mean a small prick of a needle could capture enough for analysis, as opposed to drawing vials of blood or performing a scar-leaving tissue biopsy, possibly under general anesthetic.

The amount of blood or tissue needed for assessing levels of estrogen or other hormones would be comparable to "a droplet of rain on your windshield," said Wheeler, a professor of biomedical engineering.

It could also, in some cases, do away with complex, expensive and time-consuming laboratory testing.

"So what we've done is replace the technician and a several-hour procedure with what we call a lab-on-a-chip device," said Wheeler, noting that the technology can produce results in minutes.

The credit card-sized gadget uses a method called digital microfluidics. Minute droplets of fluid containing tissue are manipulated electrically on the surface to pull out the hormone so it can be measured.

"Droplets can be essentially made to dance across the surface, and by ...

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