Hemoglide- Advanced blood smear and transport technology: A point of care haematology tool

Peripheral blood smears are a fundamental diagnostic tool in haematology, essential for detecting and monitoring various blood disorders. However, traditional smear preparation methods are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, leading to variability in smear quality and diagnostic accuracy. As the demand for reliable and efficient diagnostic processes increases, technological advancements are needed to streamline laboratory workflows and enhance the consistency of smear preparations. Improving diagnostic accuracy is crucial because consistent and high-quality blood smears are essential for accurate haematological analysis. Current manual methods often produce variable smear quality, compromising diagnostic precision and patient outcomes.

By developing a semi-automated device, we can ensure more uniform sample distribution, enhancing the reliability of diagnostic results. Enhancing laboratory efficiency is another significant need addressed by this research. Manual smear preparation is repetitive and timeconsuming, occupying valuable time for laboratory personnel. A semi-automated solution can reduce the time and labor required for smear preparation, allowing staff to focus on more complex tasks and improving overall laboratory productivity. Reducing human error is critical, as the manual nature of traditional smear preparation increases the risk of errors, such as uneven sample distribution and contamination. Automation can minimize these errors, ensuring more reliable and reproducible results, thereby improving the quality of diagnostics. Facilitating access to advanced diagnostics is also a key consideration. Simplifying the smear preparation process with a semi-automated device can make advanced diagnostic capabilities more accessible, particularly in resource-limited settings where skilled laboratory technicians may be scarce. This can lead to better healthcare outcomes in underserved areas.

Supporting research and innovation is essential for the continuous improvement of diagnostic methods. Developing advanced tools like this can drive further innovation in laboratory technologies, encouraging ongoing advancements in medical science and enhancing overall diagnostic practices.

This device aims to address these needs by providing a semi-automated solution that enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility of peripheral blood smear preparations. This innovation promises to improve diagnostic outcomes and laboratory operations, benefiting both healthcare providers and patients.

Hemoglide design: The device comprises a lower unit with designated locations for disposable slides, and an upper unit that is movably connectable to the lower unit. The upper unit accommodates a spreader blade for smearing samples onto slides. Notably, the upper unit features side parts that substantially cover the sides of the lower unit, improving handling and reducing the risk of sample contamination. Additionally, the device incorporates a system for controlling the speed at which the upper and lower units move with respect to each other, ensuring precise smear preparation.

Collect peripheral blood samples from participants using standard venipuncture techniques. Label and document each sample accurately to ensure traceability.

Slide Preparation Using Hemoglide:

• Place a slide onto the lower unit of the Hemoglide device at the designated receiving location.

• Apply the blood sample onto the slide using a pipette.

• Attach the spreader blade to the upper unit and position it to smear the sample across the slide.

• Activate the smear preparation mechanism to evenly distribute the blood sample.

• Use the device’s control system to regulate the speed and ensure uniform smear preparation.

Slide Preparation Using Conventional Method:

• Prepare a peripheral blood smear using traditional manual methods as a control.

• Apply the blood sample onto a slide and use a spreader slide to create a smear manually

Staining and Analysis:

• Stain both the Hemoglide-prepared and manually prepared slides using standard staining protocols.

• Analyze the stained slides under a microscope to assess the quality of smear preparation.

• The parameters include Quality of Smear (Uniformity, Distribution, Absence of Artifacts), Staining Quality, Cell Morphology Clarity, Smear Preparation Time and Turnaround Time