On-chip optofluidic cytometer for point-of-care hematology at rural health posts in Kashkadarya, Uzbekistan
Annotatsiya
Reliable hematology testing is critical for diagnosis of anemia, infection and hematologic disorders, yet access to automated analyzers remains limited in rural areas of Central Asia. This study presents the design and field evaluation of an on-chip optofluidic cytometer intended for point-of-care hematology at rural health posts in the Kashkadarya Region of Uzbekistan. The device integrates sample metering, plasma–cell separation, hydrodynamic focusing and imaging-based cell enumeration on a single microfluidic cartridge coupled to a compact optical reader. Capillary blood is introduced directly without external preparation, and red cells, white cells and platelets are quantified from transmitted and scattered light signatures using embedded algorithms. In a prospective deployment across multiple health posts, cytometer performance was compared with reference laboratory analyzers and manual microscopy. The on-chip system achieved clinically acceptable accuracy and precision, reduced time to result and required minimal operator training, supporting its potential role in decentralised hematology services in resource-constrained rural settings.