The topic of this book is the development of automated and inexpensive tools that transfer medical tests from a specialized clinical laboratory directly to the point of care, using biochip technology. Immediate access to medically relevant biochemical information for doctors and nurses promises to revolutionize patient care and dramatically lower costs. The miniaturization and automation of medical tests are made possible by biochip technology, that integrates advances in integrated circuits, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), microfluidics, and electronics. The target audience for this book includes engineering and biomedical researchers who would like to develop or apply biochip technology. They can use this book as a review of the field and as a guide for the development of novel biochip technology for point of care medicine. This book can also be used as a teaching tool for engineering and biomedical students, as well as a reference for physicians and health professionals.

Part I: Motivation

Introduction to BioChips
The Context and the Potential Impact for Improved Point of Care Diagnostics
An Introduction to Contemporary Clinical Laboratory Medicine
PART II: Fluid Handling
Ultra Low Cost Passive Microfluidics
Active Microfluidics - Pumps, Gates, Valves, and Heaters
Digital Microfluidics - Electrowetting on Printed Circuit Boards
Hybrid Integrated Circuit / Microfluidic Chips
Part III: Detection
Nanoparticle Based Medical Diagnostics
Miniaturized Fluorescence Based Flow Cytometry
Holographic Cell Imaging on a Chip
Single Molecule Detection with Optical Sensing Arrays
Dielectric Detection of Biochemical Assays
Radio Frequency Dielectric Flow Cytometry
Diagnostic Magnetic Resonance for Disease Detection
Mass-Based Detection and Characterization of Biochemistry and Living Cells.