Translational Demonstration – Aina: A Point-of-Care Testing Platform for Chronic Diseases

Abstract

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart failure, account for a growing proportion of the burden of disease. There are two primary challenges of chronic diseases: 1) under-diagnosis – roughly half of diabetics globally are undiagnosed, and 2) poor management – only a fraction of patients meets management goals, which often require lifestyle changes. Jana Care has created a point-of-care blood testing platform, Aina, combined with smartphone technology and a digital disease management program, Habits, to address both problems. Aina is a compact, affordable analyzer capable of reading colorimetric and fluorescent test strips. Aina connects to any smartphone to enable point-of-care measurements of HbA1c, glucose, lipids, creatinine and hemoglobin in a matter of minutes. Harnessing smartphone connectivity, data can instantly be transmitted to doctors. For tests where home monitoring is appropriate, such as glucose, patients can use Aina at home with the Habits app to learn and reinforce healthy behaviors. Jana Care is developing a point-of-care test for NT-proBNP to assist with the management of heart failure. Habits Heart—the accompanying digital management program—is currently in a pilot study at Massachusetts General Hospital. The Aina Device and tests for HbA1c, glucose, lipids and hemoglobin are CE marked and commercialized, with over 250,000 patients tested.