Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




World’s First Portable, Non-Invasive WBC Monitoring Device to Eliminate Need for Blood Draw

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 16 Oct 2023

One of the toughest challenges for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is experiencing a low count of white blood cells, also known as neutropenia. More...

These cells play a crucial role in warding off infections. A low count leaves patients, who are already vulnerable due to cancer, susceptible to other diseases. Furthermore, if the white blood cell count drops too much, it can become risky to proceed with additional chemotherapy sessions. Monitoring these cell levels is therefore critical for patient care. Now, a new portable device allows patients to monitor their white blood cell counts from the comfort of their homes, without needing to draw blood. This is a game-changer as it enables more frequent testing for millions of patients with compromised immune systems, ultimately improving their clinical results and quality of life.

Leuko Labs Inc. (Boston, MA, USA) is developing PointCheck, the first-of-its-kind device that noninvasively screens for severe neutropenia. The device works by imaging blood as it flows through the capillaries in the finger, enabling it to determine whether white blood cell levels have reached critically low points, all without the need for a blood sample. Designed for home use, the finger-based test involves shining light onto the skin near the fingernail to capture images of blood cells in the surface-level capillaries. The device then uses Leuko Labs' specialized AI algorithms to assess whether the white blood cell count is dangerously low in just one minute.

The key benefit of PointCheck lies in its ability to flag elevated infection risks, thus prompting timely preventive treatments before an actual infection takes hold. Detecting severely low levels of neutrophils—a common subtype of white blood cells—early and continuous monitoring can prevent serious infections such as febrile neutropenia. Because PointCheck is noninvasive and quick, it empowers patients to monitor their own neutrophil levels at home, facilitating timely and effective treatment.

Related Links:
Leuko Labs Inc.


New
Gold Member
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
DH-800 Series
Portable Electronic Pipette
Mini 96
New
Silver Member
PCR Plates
Diamond Shell PCR Plates
New
Gel Cards
DG Gel Cards
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Colorectal cancer under the microscope (Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock)

Unique Microbial Fingerprint to Improve Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and the second deadliest. New research has revealed that it carries a unique microbial fingerprint, which could help doctors better understand... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: New research points to protecting blood during radiation therapy (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Pioneering Model Measures Radiation Exposure in Blood for Precise Cancer Treatments

Scientists have long focused on protecting organs near tumors during radiotherapy, but blood — a vital, circulating tissue — has largely been excluded from dose calculations. Each blood cell passing through... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Conceptual design of the CORAL capsule for microbial sampling in the small intestine (H. Mohammed et al., Device (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.device.2025.100904)

Coral-Inspired Capsule Samples Hidden Bacteria from Small Intestine

The gut microbiome has been linked to conditions ranging from immune disorders to mental health, yet conventional stool tests often fail to capture bacterial populations in the small intestine.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.