Conversion of a laboratory-based test for phenylalanine detection to a simple paper-based format and implications for PKU screening in low-resource settings. Issue 2 (26th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thiessen, Gregory; Robinson, Robert; De Los Reyes, Kim; Monnat, Raymond J.; Fu, Elain
• Is Part Of: Analyst. Volume 140:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 609
• Page End: 615
• Publication Date: 2014-11-26
• Subjects: Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; 543
• DOI: 10.1039/c4an01627k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2654

Abstract

Abstract : We demonstrated a rapid and easy to use paper-based test for phenylalanine detection that could enable newborn screening for phenylketonuria in places that do not have existing programs. Abstract : Laboratory-based testing does not reach many individuals in lower-resource settings who could benefit from access to appropriate tests for diagnosis and therapy. A critical issue is laboratory-based testing often requires an environment with a high level of resources and supporting infrastructure that is not available in many areas of the world. The current report describes the conversion of a laboratory-based test for phenylalanine detection to a simple paper-based test appropriate for use in low-resource settings. The paper-based test is easy to operate, with all reagents stored dry on the card, is compatible with visible detection for clinically relevant concentrations of phenylalanine, and has a time to result of 10 minutes. Next steps for test development are discussed in the context of the potential for the paper-based Phe test to be used as a newborn PKU screening test in settings that are not well served by existing screening approaches.