RAPID DEFECTION OF D-DIMER USING A FIBER OPTIC BIOSENSOR

We describe a rapid and sensitive method for detection and quantificat ion of D-dimer and other crosslinked fibrin degradation products (XL-F DPs), which are present in elevated concentrations in patients with se psis and thrombotic disorders. The method utilizes a sandwich fluoroim munoassay immobilized in the sensing region of an evanescent wave bios ensor. Physiological concentrations of D-dimer and high molecular weig ht XL-FDP could be determined in buffer and plasma samples on calibrat ed fibers in Il min. Samples from septic patients were assayed using E LISA and the fiber optic method; concentrations determined by fiber op tic assay were strongly correlated with those determined by ELISA (r = 0.918); intra-and inter-assay errors were comparable to those from EL ISAs. Given its accuracy and rapid response time, this fiber optic bio sensor shows great potential for development as a diagnostic tool.