Not so long ago, diagnosis had to wait for the test results from the laboratory. Only during the follow-up appointment could the doctor discuss the results with the patient and draw up a treatment plan. Time and energy were wasted and there was a risk that the patient's health would deteriorate further. Fortunately, things can be different nowadays…
Diagnostics in the year 2021
In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) are increasingly used to determine the correct diagnosis. For these medical examinations and testing of samples taken from patients, diagnostic/microfluidic devices are extremely important. Examples of these developments are:
- CRP test
- multitier plates
- POCT (point-of-care testing)
- PCR test (rapid test)
- HTS (high-throughput screening) test
By means of this often handy equipment, doctors, nurses, but also patients themselves, are able to quickly determine reliable test results. Based on these results, the right treatment and/or dose can be started immediately. A repeat visit to discuss the test result is thus no longer necessary.
Based on a CRP test, for example, antibiotics can also be started in time and prescribed at the correct dose. Some of the different test possibilities: blood glucose, blood coagulation, cholesterol, pregnancy, ovulation, hemoglobin and rapid streptococcal tests.
Image 1: Scientist putting a PCR tube into PCR test machine.
Why to use pressure sensitive tapes, films and foils in diagnostics?
Necessary for the assembly and operation of these diagnostic devices are inert, self-adhesive tapes, covering materials and hydrophilic films. Stokvis Tapes serves the diagnostic / life science industry as a major converter and supplier of all sorts of pressure sensitive adhesive tapes and flexible materials.
Understanding and selecting the right (self-adhesive) materials and the corresponding production methods are of great importance when designing a diagnostic device. Whether an application requires a single layer, double coated or laminated construction: Stokvis Tapes has proven its ability to select the right materials in the desired thicknesses including suitable adhesives that perform well in IVD devices and testing.
Stokvis Tapes expertise in selecting and converting for diagnostics includes these key products:
- Adhesive coatings for diagnostic test strips, lidding materials and device assembly:
- acrylate
- silicone
- heat-activated
- non-tacky to the touch - Covering materials with the following features, for example, for covering multititer plates:
- breathable
- pierceable
- protection of cell cultures against contamination
- easy to process
- protection against evaporation and light
- thermally conductive
- non-hemolytic
- not toxic to mammalian cells
- low autofluorescence
- low birefringence
- high optical clarity
- printable
Image 3: Lidding a microplate with a pressure sensitive tape.
- Hydrophilic films, especially designed for liquid transport in IVD applications such as POCT and lab-on-a-chip products:
- single or double-sided coated
- in vitro hemocompatibility
- low autofluorescence
- compatible with reagents
- non-toxic to mammalian cells
- no significant degassing <400°C
- anti-condensation properties
- high optical clarity
- chemically inert
Image 3: Blood glucose monitor for measuring blood sugar levels.
May Stokvis Tapes help you?
Are you looking for a professional, safe and efficient solution for your diagnostic application? Stokvis Tapes has the expertise within the diagnostic market to support you throughout your process from product selection to converting. Stokvis Tapes will help you improve your production process, reduce costs, help you develop new products and sell more.
We can help you select the materials and adhesives with the unique and demanding characteristics that are critical to these application areas. We have laser, rotary and flatbed die cutting machines available for the precision processing and assembly of your products.
If you are interested or have any questions, feel free to leave your contact details via the contact button and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Would you like more information about our solutions for diagnostics? In the brochure for the diagnostics segment you will find most of our applications and services for diagnostics.