A Point-of-Care Diagnostic Device for Quantifying Estradiol Levels in Human Saliva.

Abstract

This study was carried out focusing upon two primary objectives: the first being to investigate experimentally the merit of a photoelectrochemical process for quantifying estradiol by salivary assay and the second to investigate numerically a novel method of accelerated sedimentation for use in sample processing and purification as an alternative to centrifugation. The presented work began initially in pursuit of an improved means of diagnostic testing for estradiol levels in patients undergoing infertility treatment. The validity of using saliva as an alternative diagnostic medium to serum has been investigated and tested experimentally, demonstrating that saliva may be used as a means to quantify estradiol levels. Initial experimental results of the proposed assay technique hold promise, with an observable photocurrent response relative to the presence of E2-[Ru(bpy)3]2+; however, further experimentation is necessary in full development of an assay. Results of a CFD analysis reveal the proposed actuation method for diagnostic sample purification to perform well in comparison to that of a centrifuge and to offer advantages in a potentially compact design well suited to a fully-integrated point-of-care diagnostic device.