Implementation of Lab-on-a-Chip technologies in hematology: advances and challenges

Advances in biomedical engineering, electronics, and bioinformatics are catalyzing the transition from conventional laboratories to Lab-on-a-Chip technologies. This technology shows potential for application in areas with a strong diagnostic component, such as hematology. This article was developed with the aim of describing the principles, advances, and challenges of implementing Lab-on-a-Chip technologies in hematology. Guided by the principles of microfluidics, these technologies enable tests ranging from complete blood counts to more complex ones such as flow cytometry. The ability to perform multiple analyses in parallel, its portability, and speed could greatly improve care in the care unit or at the patient's bedside, leading to early and timely diagnosis. However, component integration issues, manufacturing complexity, robustness, reliability, sensitivity, and lack of standardization remain real problems that hinder its development. Its development, although still slow, and integration with artificial intelligence techniques will favor diagnosis and treatment in hematological practice.