Chip device to diagnose asthma, TB

A novel low-cost lab-on-a-chip device to analyse sputum from patients with pulmonary diseases such as tuberculosis and asthma has been developed.

“To develop more accurate diagnosis and treatment approaches for patients with pulmonary diseases, we have to analyse sample cells directly from the lungs rather than by drawing blood,” said Tony Jun Huang, professor of engineering science and mechanics at Pennsylvania State University.

With a lab-on-a-chip device, all bio-specimens are safely contained in a single disposable component.