Our laboratory has tackled a common challenge in clinical blood coagulation testing: efficiently mixing blood, a shear-thinning fluid, with reagents at the fast speed required for accurate blood coagulation testing. We have developed a novel approach that utilizes 3D passive helicoidal mixers within the cartridge to enhance mixing efficiency. Our mixer designs have been rigorously tested through flow simulations, dye mixing, and blood coagulation experiments to ensure optimal performance. The resulting iCoagLAB device-compatible cartridge comprises a reagent chamber, a passive mixer, an optical testing chamber, and a vent, all of which work together to facilitate successful blood coagulation experiments monitored through laser speckle rheology technology. Moving forward, we aim to collaborate with industrial partners to employ high-precision fabrication methods for mass-producing these cartridges.
