This study aims to compare the total white blood cell counts and differential white blood cell subtypes obtained using the Non-Invasive White Cell Monitoring prototype with those obtained through conventional complete blood count (CBC testing via vein puncture in healthy volunteers. The NICEM device or system can be operated by personnel with minimal training, enabling BC determinations at a fraction of the cost of conventional testing, as well as providing testing in settings where CBC testing was either very difficult to obtain or was not at all obtainable. This will address important equity issues in care provision. Currently, there are many patients in rural, remote, and resource-limited settings who have suboptimal access to care, in part due to a lack of functional laboratory or other support services. This proposal will, in effect, bring the laboratory to the bedside, enabling health care providers to improve the range and quality of care provided. We will use primary components that can be created at low cost and in resource-constrained settings.
The study objective is to compare the total white blood counts and differential white blood cell subtypes obtained by the Non-Invasive White Cell Monitoring prototype with conventional CBC testing using vein puncture in healthy volunteers.
Expected impact: The NICEM devise is expected to ease lab workload and reduce the need for phlebotomy, support faster clinical decisions at point-of-care, avoid pain in children, promote non-invasive testing and patient monitoring of blood composition, and improve access to care in resource-limited settings.
