Platelet Contractility Imaging Analyzer (PCIA)

To address DHA’s need in development and validation of a portable, high throughput, handheld device that characterizes platelet contractility as a transfusion release criterion for military and civilian blood banks and transfusion services, SPZ Technologies LLC (SPZT) proposes to develop a Platelet Contractility Imaging Analyzer (PCIA). The PCIA will quantify platelet contractility by measuring dynamics of the clot retraction volume. The PCIA will be composed of a clot activating vial, an attachment to a smart phone and a smartphone. PCIA will use imaging technology to measure the three-dimensional volume changes of a blood clot as it contracts in the vial, allowing for detailed analysis of the dynamics and extent of clot shrinkage driven by activated platelets. Image analysis software will be used to calculate volume over time.  The assay time is about 20 min.  In Phase I, SPZT will demonstrate the feasibility of the PCIA by building a prototype that will meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in the solicitation. In Phase II, SPZT plans to refine, optimize, and validate the feasibility of the proposed PCIA by analyzing the output metrics in comparison or correlation with accepted clinical and/or laboratory-based assays.