| abstract |
A device and method for performing blood coagulation assays, particularly prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin times and other clotting parameters are disclosed. The device comprises a disposable strip (containing a sample inlet for sample delivery, a capillary channel for driving force, and a reaction chamber with an appropriate dry reagent for a specific assay) and a piezoelectric sensor. The device could also include a heating element for temperature control, and a magnetic bender. The magnetic bender is driven by an electromagnetic field generator and is attached onto a piezoelectric film in contact with the blood sample. Electric signal generated at the piezo film is characterized by its frequency and amplitude due to the movement of the attached metal film. The signal collected at the site of the piezo film represents the process of a biochemical reaction in the reaction chamber, while blood sample proceeds to the point at which clot formation starts and is amplified by an amplifier and rectified into a Dc voltage and is sent to a recording unit and/or display unit. |