analysis of trace metals in dried blood spots using the "hemospot(TM) HF" filter paper

Testing with the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) technique is a rising and still studying field in clinical applications. DBS is a blood sampling technique that places whole blood drops on specified filter paper for clinical purposes. Utilization of trace amount of blood for testing is the main advantage of this technique.

In this study, a newly introduced filter paper, HemoSpot™ HF’s is used. The HemoSpot™ HF fan-shape design has eight blades enabling multiple tests from single collection (pictured above. This filter paper is design for the collection and transportation of blood microsamples by taking 2-3 blood drops by sticking finger with lancet without collecting blood via syringe. These filter papers are still under study. The HemoSpot™ HF was developed to have even distribution of blood through out the filter paper, allowing repetitive analysis, multiple tests, and 100% sample utilization, while reducing chances for contamination.

The Aga Lab focuses on analysis of trace metals that affect the health of the human body. These metals can be toxic to human body if they consumed in high level. Causing negative health effects such as growth retardation, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, malfunctioning of organs and even death. Therefore, evaluating levels of toxic trace metals in human body is essential. The major objectives of this project are:

1. Developing a method for analysis of selected trace metals using dried blood spots using the HemaSpot™ HF filters.

2. Minimizing the amount of blood needed, by using the minimum number of blades from the filter paper