As applications for point of care testing (POCT) grow, the desire to increase the number of simultaneous tests and more complicated sample preparations is limited by cost and the ability to scale to large volume production. Methods for overcoming these obstacles by tapping into the microelectronics industry will be discussed in a presentation by 3M Electronics at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry's (AACC's) 2006 Annual Meeting and Clinical Lab Exposition in Chicago, Ill. The technical conference and exhibit will be held July 23-27 at the McCormick Place Convention Center.
The presentation, "Volume manufacturing of organic microfluidic substrates for point of care testing," will take place on July 26 at 11 a.m. as part of the conference's OEM Lecture Series. Denny Aeschliman, lead applications engineer, Electronic Solutions Division, will discuss advancements in electronics technology, including thin gold flexible circuits, precision polymer substrates, and the creation of microwells and channels in organic substrates.
In booth No. 156, 3M Electronics will present two new substrate technologies. High-performance thin gold flexible circuits have been evaluated for use by medical device manufacturers for diagnostic testing applications, such as blood glucose monitoring, hemostasis and cardiac marker rapid testing. This all-gold circuit may be used for volume manufacturing of POC applications where precision, reliability and miniaturization are required. 3M precision polymer substrates for diagnostic test strips are available in a tape-and-reel format that helps optimize the manufacturing process. The substrates help improve performance through enhanced precision and consistency. Both new technologies to be exhibited at AACC were developed based on 3M's more than 20 years experience as a leading supplier of custom interconnect solutions to the microelectronics industry. For additional information about 3M brand products for medical applications, visit www.3m.com/aacc.
About 3M Electronics
3M Electronics is a leading supplier of innovative solutions to the electronics market. 3M's wide array of advanced technologies enable the company to design specialized products that help electronics manufacturers improve quality, reduce costs and lower emissions. The company's products help their customers connect, clean, polish, adhere, protect, transport and finish their products. 3M serves customers in numerous market segments, including semiconductor; OEM electronics; computers and peripherals; mobile and handheld; as well as consumer, aerospace, military, automotive and medical markets. For more information about flexible circuits and substrates for medical diagnostics from 3M Electronics, call (800) 3M HELPS ((800) 364-3577) or visit www.3M.com/aacc.
About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
LaBreche Murray Public RelationsKatie Anderson, 612-392-7607kanderson@labrechemurray.comor3M Public RelationsMatt Fagan, 512-984-3277
