UM researchers develop handheld test for chronic kidney disease

Researchers at the University of Manitoba have developed a credit card-sized device to test for chronic kidney disease so compact and inexpensive that patients will be able to take the test at home. Test results would be available in just five minutes from a handheld device, called the Microfluidic Albumin Testing Lab on Chip (MATLOC).

MATLOC device co-creator Dr. Francis Lin, professor of physics and astronomy, and biological science, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba, said the device is much needed for people living in rural and remote locations.

A researcher works with a MATLOC device in a lab.

THE MATLOC DEVICE USES MICROFLUIDICS, WHICH MINIATURIZES COMPLEX LABORATORY PROCEDURES ONTO A SMALL MICROCHIP.

“The MATLOC device will enable truly point-of-care evaluations for chronic kidney disease,” Lin said. “It will bring a low cost, high sensitivity and accuracy, and easy-to-use diagnostic device to the patient, which is currently not available. This will significantly improve chronic kidney disease diagnosis and people will be identified well before kidney failure.”

The single-use device measures albumin, a protein found in urine that is the first sign of kidney damage. The device uses microfluidics, also known as lab-on-chip technology, which miniaturizes complex laboratory procedures onto a small microchip.

Read more