A Decentralized Surveillance System for Measles and Rubella Powered by Paper-Based Digital Microfluidics

Measles and rubella are major contributors to childhood mortality and disability, representing a significant global economic and social cost. Diagnosis currently relies on expensive immunoassay robots, which are only available in central laboratories. A decentralized surveillance system powered by paper-based digital microfluidics (an emerging liquid-handling technology) could be the solution. The system relies on an automated platform that can do laboratory-quality measles and rubella immunoassays using a single drop of blood. The system is fast, simple-to-use, and provides significant savings through reduced reagent and sample transport costs.