Some of the channels in Figure 1 are white, indicating that the process of sealing the film has also sealed the channel shut. In addition, there are several red areas away from the channels. These are delaminations of the film from the plastic base, and are troublesome because they could develop into leakers between adjacent channels. Figure 2 is a similar AMI image of the same Prepaq cartridge type, but at a later point in the development process. Similar acoustic image at a later stage of cartridge development.
All channels are open, and there are no voids.
Direct, nondestructive information about internal features such as bond quality can greatly speed development and ensure reliability of a product in the field. In this application, the ability to evaluate the bond of the film to the test cartridge accelerated the development of an automated system that will cut costs, improve patient care, and save lives.