Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
11.4 The i-STAT handheld point-of-care device by Abbott Laboratories
(image courtesy of Abbott Laboratories).
screening, diagnostic and prognostic functions. 19 Principal diagnostic
markers include troponin and creatinine kinase-MB (CK-MB) for identify-
ing heart attack and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) for heart failure.
Myoglobin, as the earliest biochemical marker of AMI, is also important,
but unspecifi c as it is released by damage to both cardiac and skeletal
muscle. 20 Combinations of biomarkers are more accurate predictors of
cardiac events than each alone. 19,20 The identifi cation of acute myocardial
infarction (AMI) from presenting symptoms in particular is time-critical,
as early intervention can reduce patient mortality. The quick turnaround
time achieved by biosensor-based point-of-care devices is of signifi cant
advantage in this setting.
The analyte that has received the most attention with respect to biosen-
sor development is glucose, and glucose biosensors make up about 85% of
the biosensor market. 6 The requirement for glucose sensors is substantial;
diabetes is widespread (300 million people by 2020 21 ) and in order to effec-
tively manage the condition people with diabetes need to test their blood
glucose levels several times per day. Electrochemical biosensors form the
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