PoCOsteo
A portable, diagnostic device designed with partners through an EU initiative, to identify individuals at high risk of osteoporosis, enabling critical testing at the point of need.A global collaboration
Funded by the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union, PoCOsteo was realised by a consortium of trusted research partners, academia and SME’s from five countries.DevelopmentIntegrate proteomics and genomics technology into a functional single PoC device
Clinical validationComparing the PoCOSteo results with those of the current state-of-the-art
CommercialisationPreparation for commercialisation of a Point-of-Care tool for bone disease assessment
What is PoCOsteo?
A revolutionary pathway into healthcare
With an aging population, osteoporosis is increasingly prevalent and often goes undetected until a fracture occurs, earning it the label of a "silent killer." The PoCOsteo project aims to develop, clinically validate, and commercialize a Point-of-Care tool for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of osteoporosis and other bone diseases.Changing the game
Bone health is typically assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to measure bone mineral density. However, DXA requires specialised infrastructure, leading to long wait times. Furthermore, it detects bone loss only after significant deterioration and provides no insight into bone quality or underlying causes. PoCOsteo offers an affordable and portable device that is deployable in principle at any local general medical centre.- Biomarker measurement
- Profiling of genetic variations
- Assessment of risk factors
Results in real time
The tool can be used to identify people at risk of developing bone diseases later in life. The fact that the results are available in real time helps with the patient’s compliance with treatment. The latter is a major issue and the reason behind undertreatment in osteoporosis. The device performs a genomic test on finger-prick blood samples. A further test using biomarkers (proteins) measures the current bone turnover rate. The process is designed to provide a result in under an hour.- Rapid results while you wait
- Greater uptake of treatment after testing
- Simple finger-prick blood sample
Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip
The sample is drawn around the cartridge pneumatically, mixed with reagents, heated to perform lysis, then passed over an electrochemical sensor with 64 biologically functionalised electrodes to measure the concentration of selected markers using an integrated potentiostat. Machine vision is used to accurately monitor and control the position and movement of liquids within the microfluidic cartridge.- Assay is performed using precise pneumatic control
- Multiple tests performed during the process
- Results stored digitally
UK design and buildWe cover all stages of the project from our North Yorkshire based HQ. We have friendly, accessible engineers who all work for Labman - we do not outsource.
Labman Services40+ years experienceWith over 40 years experience in multi-disciplinary engineering we have the skills to support your project throughout, addressing challenges with confidence.
About LabmanWith you for the journeyLabman’s team, as well as our technology, are with you and your project for the long run. Our tailored support packages allows us to support you from anywhere in the world, for as long as you need us.
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