Newborn infants in the United States are routinely screened for the presence of several metabolic and genetic diseases (such as PKU and hyperthyroidism).   These tests are performed by collecting a small blood sample onto a filter paper disk before the infant is released from the hospital. It is important that the results be evaluated in a timely fashion to prevent early loss of cognitive function that can occur with untreated disease.

    A persistent problem in accomplishing this screening is the number of filter paper disks that are collected but do not contain adequate samples for analysis.  This can result in important delays in diagnosis and increased expense in tracking down patients that may have already left the hospital.

    Western Research is developing a standalone imaging system that will allow for an immediate evaluation of the collected blood spots.  Inadequate samples can be re-collected immediately, thus obviating the expense and potential morbidity that might otherwise occur.

    The Western Research system is being designed to be:

• Simple to operate
• Inexpensive
• Provide an automatic analysis of blood samples
• Provide a nondestructive analysis