New standards for easy to use, cost-effective microfluidic devices

A close-up of a microfluidic device. Image courtesy of Elsa Batista (IPQ)

Microfluidic measurements are a vital tool across various sectors, including chemistry, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and healthcare to control and analyse amounts of liquid as small as a few nanolitres. Although the need for these measurements is growing, standards have lagged behind, leaving gaps in the manufacturing and practical use of microfluidic devices, as well as the language around their use.

Challenge

Solution

Impact

Image showing a close up of a lab-on-a-chip

Developing new standards for microfluidic devices in medical and pharmaceutical applications

The MFMET project addressed the need for new standards and protocols for microfluidic devices used across healthcare, environmental monitoring and other sectors. This includes: • New guidance and test protocols for measuring flow and liquid properties in microfluidics • New guidance and test protocols for the dimensions, positions and material compatibility of connections in microfluidic components • State-of-the-art flow control methodologies for nano/micro/meso/macro fluidics, including assessment of uncertainty ranges • A new technical guide for the evaluation of flow-related quantities (EURAMET Technical Guide No. 4) • Two new microfluidic transfer standards made of glass and polymer, appropriate for measurement of specific quantities like volume, flow and leakage • Input into a number of ISO technical committees and working groups, including the publication of three ISO standards: ISO 22916, ISO 10991 and ISO/TS 6417

  • Contact: Elsa Batista
  • IPQ | +351 21 294 81 67 | ebatista@ipq.pt
  • Category
  • EMPIR,
  • Standardisation,
  • EMN Traceability in Laboratory Medicine,