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Microfluidics: Miniature Chemistry Labs

Posted by michael on from the make-jello-using-one-third-vodka dept.

enkidu writes: "The NYTimes has a story (free reg, yaba yaba) about the rapidly emerging field of microfluidics and describes some of the methods used in making micro-valves, pumps and other components. In the future, you won't need to send your blood/urine sample to a lab, your doctor will put in his "lab-in-a-box" and hand you a printout before your leave."

3 of 57 comments (clear)

  1. But the insurance companies won't allow it... by printman · · Score: 5, Insightful

    A lot of doctors ran out an bought their own mini-lab test equipment when it first came out. Not only did it cost them less than sending it out to be processed, but they got results faster.

    *However*, the insurance companies have put a stop to that. My doctor has to send out my bloodwork and wait almost a week to check my cholesterol, instead of using his own equipment and getting me an answer within an hour or so... In the process, I end up paying *more* to my insurance company and they get to negotiate mass-quantity lab work with the lowest bidder.

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    I print, therefore I am.
    1. Re:But the insurance companies won't allow it... by cplmd · · Score: 5, Insightful

      As a physician, it's not just the insurance companies to blame - if fact not them at all. It's how our wonderful federal government responds to a few of my unscrupulous colleagues.
      Specifically, Rep. Pete Stark in his three versions of Stark Acts have reduced how much a physician can do for you. Pharmacies, labs and x-ray cannot be owned or used by the doctor if he does have an interest in the facility. I don't have a problem with that given the kickbacks a few doctors got in the past.
      However, as always with federal regulation of individual/local problems, it has extended into areas that no longer make sense and actually make it worse for you as a patient. This office-lab in a box being a case in point.
      While on my soap box, it would be nice if the federal government limited and regulated the legal, esp. civil court system as much as the medical one. Given spiraling malpractice insurance costs and the actual closure of some rural hospitals due to legal liability and insurance costs, maybe as the federal government did with medicare/medicad in setting limits on what reimbursement would be to doctors and hospitals for a given disease, lawyers in this country should be limited in what they are paid for say a divorce, murder defense or malpractice / workman's comp. case.

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      just leave me alone and i'll leave you alone - there - isn't that easier and better?
  2. sorry, your blood sample was declined by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    blood testing in a handheld reminds me of Gattaca.
    shudder.