Breakthrough Microfluidic Test Delivers Lab-Accurate HbA1c Results in Minutes

Despite its importance, many people do not test their A1C as often as recommended, often due to inconvenience, cost, or lack of access. Now, a new portable device designed to deliver lab-quality A1C results in minutes aims to improve accessibility and frequency of monitoring.

Orange Biomed (Seattle, WA, USA) has developed the OBM rapid A1c meter, a compact handheld device for diabetes testing. The system removes protein-based reagents to improve accuracy, and its patented Micro Electro-Mechanical System mimics human microvessels within a small cartridge. The meter requires only a minimal blood sample and guides users through a simple three-step process to produce immediate results in just five minutes anywhere.

The device is intended to encourage recommended monitoring frequency, leading to better diabetes management. It also has the potential to deliver more personalized care by enabling timely, preventive interventions. With its portable format, the technology could bridge gaps in diabetes monitoring across underserved communities and reduce the risks of diabetes-related complications.

“Using advanced microfluidic technology, our platform analyzes thousands of individual red blood cells from a single drop of blood within just five minutes; significantly reducing the sample size required and enabling faster, easier testing,” said Yeaseul Park, CEO and Co-Founder of Orange Biomed. “This isn’t simply a faster version of traditional testing; it’s a fundamentally new approach. We enable more precise HbA1c measurements, which are critical for diabetes care. Many remain under-monitored due to barriers to lab testing. Our solution brings high-quality monitoring into homes, clinics, and rural settings.”

“The potential of microfluidics extends far beyond diabetes. This technology enables personalized medicine, where treatment is based on each person’s unique biological profile,” added Unghyeon Ko, Co-Founder and President of Orange Biomed, who is spearheading R&D efforts. “As microfluidic systems evolve, we envision a future where more innovators apply this technology to medical devices to form multiplexed diagnostics that integrate genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics into a single, compact platform. Imagine a future where a device on your bathroom shelf can track immune status, detect early signs of cancer, or assess medication response, all from a few drops of blood. That future is closer than we think, and microfluidics is the gateway.”

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