New printing innovation opens door for simple diagnostic tests

A new application for everyday inkjet printing technologies has been developed that could facilitate the production of simple diagnostic tests for various conditions.

Created by Cambridge Consultants, the XylemDx concept allows a diagnostic test cartridge to be made from a single sheet of paper, allowing all sorts of sophisticated low-cost tests to be adapted at the touch of a button.

Modules are printed on the paper using inkjet-based printing techniques that use wax to lay down fluidic pathways, electronic ink containing silver nanoparticles to allow electrical connectivity, and so on.

Each of these tests can be produced on the same fabrication device and configured with a bespoke set of modules before being folded into a traditional test cartridge shape. 

The cartridges can then be configured for a range of samples, including blood, urine, saliva or mucus, and for a variety of readers, including high-end diagnostic instruments or simple readers on the back of a smartphone or a USB-powered device.

John Pritchard, head of diagnostics at Cambridge Consultants, said: "Early diagnosis and better monitoring of conditions reduces expensive complications and keeps people out of hospital – as well as improving quality of life."