Verv Point-of-Care Blood Analyzer

Verv’s cartridge-based diagnostic platform is a point-of-care blood analyzer designed for decentralized testing, enabling single-drop biomarker analysis through integrated electrochemistry and precision mechanical interfaces.

The Challenge:

After more than a decade of electrochemical research, Verv had demonstrated the core sensing technology behind a promising point-of-care diagnostic platform. However, the work existed primarily as laboratory prototypes and disconnected engineering efforts. Inertia partnered with Verv to transform that body of research into a coherent diagnostic device architecture capable of supporting integrated product development and commercialization.

Existing work consisted of largely independent subsystems: electrochemical sensing methods, early firmware development, cartridge concepts, and initial enclosure directions. What was missing was the system architecture that would define how these elements interacted and how the device would operate as a coherent, manufacturable product.

The original objective was to move quickly toward a commercial-ready system. Early analysis revealed that the program first required a different step: establishing an integrated device architecture capable of supporting alpha-level system validation and future regulatory development.

Several key uncertainties prevented reliable integration. These included cartridge interface definition, assumptions around multi-user operation, embedded firmware structure, and mechanical force management across dense electrical interfaces between device and cartridge. Decisions in each of these areas carried implications for usability, contamination control, firmware maintainability, and manufacturability.

Advancing development without resolving these architectural questions would increase complexity while introducing significant risk to system stability and commercialization timelines.

The Approach:

Inertia restructured the program around an architecture-first development strategy, focusing on resolving system integration risks before advancing overall product maturity.

A unified system framework was established to align electrochemistry, cartridge interface geometry, embedded firmware structure, mechanical actuation mechanisms, and user interaction logic within asingle alpha device platform.  Development work was sequenced to address the highest system risks early while maintaining progress across all disciplines.

Operational assumptions were tested through workflow analysis and contamination risk modeling. This work led to a key architectural decision to transition from a multi-user device concept to a single-user workflow model. Simplifying this aspect of the system significantly reduced interface complexity, minimized contamination risk, and accelerated the path toward a viable product platform.

Firmware development was formalized on a QP-based real-time architecture to ensure modularity, traceability, and forward compatibility. This approach avoided the need for throwaway prototype code and ensured continuity into later development stages.

Note from CL: ‘QP’ is the “quantum platform Real-Time Event Framework” developed by Quantum Leaps, by Miro Samek

Mechanical architecture focused on ensuring repeatable electrical contact across high-density cartridge interfaces through controlled cinching geometry and deterministic force application. This design approach provided reliable electrical connection without requiring compensatory manufacturing adjustments.

Where third-party consumable interfaces introduced ambiguity, Inertia assumed responsibility for defining interface ownership and technical specifications. This allowed the team to remove integration bottlenecks and maintain development momentum. Risk tracking, decision gating, and documentation discipline were maintained throughout to align subsystem progress with system-level maturity.

The Outcome:

The result was a fully integrated diagnostic platform establishing architectural clarity across mechanical, firmware, electrochemical, and interface domains.

The system achieved:

Production-oriented mechanical architecture supporting repeatable cartridge connection
Deterministic force management across high-density electrical interfaces
QP-based embedded firmware framework enabling modular scalability
Single-user workflow alignment reducing contamination and UI complexity

Clearly defined cartridge interface specifications enabling coordinated subsystem development
Structured risk management aligned with future regulatory and V&V pathways
Integrated documentation framework preserving architectural intent for subsequent development phases

By resolving system architecture prior to commercialization push, Verv transitioned from fragmented R&D assets to a cohesive, integration-ready diagnostic platform capable of supporting structured product development.

What began as bench-level electrochemical capability matured into a unified device architecture capable of supporting smooth transition to beta development, V&V, and regulatory pathways.

Services Provided

Concept Development & Validation

Requirements Definition

User Needs Development

System Architecture

Assumption Validation

Concept Prototyping

Prototyping & Rapid Builds

Human Factors & Usability

Mechanical Design

User Interface Design

Software & Firmware Design

Electronics Design

System Design

Quality Management

Requirements & Risk Management

Design For Manufacturing

Low Volume Manufacturing & Pilot Builds

Manufacturing Transfer & Launch

Supply Chain Management

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