Case Study: Development Of A Plastic Capillary Blood Sampling Device

This brief paper describes the work undertaken by Axis-Shield PoC A/S and Carclo Technical Plastics to develop an innovative solution, thereby improving an existing product and significantly reducing cost.

Axis-Shield markets the Afinion analyser, mainly in Europe and the US, to doctors and clinics for the quantitative testing of certain complaints at the point of care. The analyser uses a disposable cartridge using plastic components manufactured by Carclo Technical Plastics. One of the tests is for HbA1c, a key test of a diabetic’s management of their condition.

In the photograph to the right, a sample of patient’s blood can be seen within the “sampling device” of the cartridge. Once this is inserted into the cartridge, the cartridge is in turn introduced into the analyser and a result is available within 3 minutes. This fast and simple test helps the healthcare professional provide rapid feedback to the patient on their condition and contributes to reduced healthcare costs.