Dried blood spot (DBS) tests are an important diagnostic tool used for newborns. Unfortunately DBS has a variety limitations. According to the CDC, approximately four million DBS tests are required for infants are born in the United States each year. Conventional newborn screening with DBS begins with the addition of capillary blood droplets from a heel- or finger-stick made within 24 to 48 hours after birth onto a solid, cellulose based filter card. The card is then passively dried in ambient conditions. These blood sample containing filter cards are punched out in a clinical laboratory and analyzed to detect a variety of potentially life-threatening disorders. However, there are analytical limitations to this method, including hematocrit variation, the potential for cells to lyse and contribute contaminates, and metabolic response to clotting factors. Accordingly, there is a strong need for an improved workflow, one that limits analytical challenges and amplify the number of analytes detected to improve infant healthcare.
Technology Overview
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a novel approach that is capable of detecting ~200 compounds routinely from newborn dried blood spots while controlling for analytical challenges. This technology provides a unique opportunity for evaluating the infant metabolome with quantification of hundreds of metabolites in approximately 30 minutes.
Stage of Development
Completion pending.
Publications
N/A
