Handheld mechano-optical platelet force sensing device

Hemorrhage is a major cause of preventable deaths, accounting for 35-40% of fatalities. Administering platelet transfusions within six hours of injury can reduce mortality rates, as high-quality platelets enhance outcomes. However, stored platelets lose functionality over time, and some donations may be dysfunctional because of inadequate quality assessments, leading to wasted samples and adverse effects. Platelets are crucial for hemostasis; they form clots by adhering to damaged blood vessels and aggregating into plugs. Proper platelet function is vital for health, as dysfunction can lead to severe bleeding disorders. Transfusions help mitigate bleeding risks. The demand for platelet function tests (PFTs) is high because of importance in diagnosing bleeding disorders linked to platelet dysfunction. In the United States, about 2 million apheresis-equivalent unit platelets are transfused annually. Rapid PFTs requiring minimal samples could improve donor eligibility evaluations and quality control of stored platelets. Understanding platelet function assessment helps healthcare professionals gain insights into various bleeding disorders. Abnormal functions may indicate inherited conditions like Von Willebrand disease or acquired issues from cancer therapies or other medical conditions. While traditional PFTs such as aggregometry have been the gold standard, they require large blood volumes and specialized equipment. Newer tests like the PFA-100 and VerifyNow System monitor optical or electrical properties during clot formation but often yield false results; sensitivity rates vary significantly among tests. Clot retraction relies on intact cytoskeleton structures in platelets; it increases with concentration but requires appropriate functionality. Despite progress in testing methods, there remains a gap in devices designed specifically for measuring platelet contractility. We propose developing a handheld device that assesses platelet contractility as a transfusion release criterion for military and civilian blood banks and services.