Innovation

Although the need for better diagnostics, especially point-of-care testing, is clear, the uptake of novel technology lags a long way behind demonstration and research papers. Using several case studies from my own research, alongside insight from current state-of-the art notably in diagnostics for microbiology and infection, I will outline the technological basis for bioassay miniaturisation (i.e. tiny blood tests) and discuss the diagnostics innovation pathway. Examples will include a review of >10 years developing microfluidic quantitative multiplex immunoassays that can measure multiple biomarkers in blood, as well as our latest developments in measuring platelet cell function directly in blood.