Crystal clear diagnostics

Technology

Our unique technology offers an innovative combination of polarization microscopy and Raman spectroscopy (iRPolM).

Polarization microscopy has been considered the gold standard in rheumatology since the 1960s, but it is subjective and lacks specificity. The addition of Raman spectroscopy precisely addresses this issue: it allows for the non-destructive acquisition of molecular fingerprints from the samples.

The Crystalytics device, the iRPolM, is easy to use due to its automated and integrated calibration procedures and simple measurement method. Our compact, tabletop device is highly suitable for point-of-care analyses in outpatient clinics and can be easily integrated into clinical laboratories. The interpretation of the results is automated through our database, requiring minimal additional training of the analyst.

Validation

The use of our device has been clinically proven effective for the diagnosis of gout (specificity 97.7%;  200 included patients [1]) and calcium pyrophosphate associated arthritis (specificity 99.1%; 400 included patients [2]). We are also able to diagnose hydroxyapatite-associated arthritis and other calcium containing crystals , which is not possible with the current polarization microscope [3].

In our pilot research in collaboration with Maastricht University Medical Center and Radboud University Medical Center, we have demonstrated that crystals (calcite) may also play a significant role in osteoarthritis [4].

Furthermore, our technology is suitable for detecting potentially pathogenic, toxic material. For instance, it can be applied to identify leaking silicone implants [5] and to identify microplastics and micrometals [6, 7].

1. Niessink,T., T. Giesen, M. Efdé, A. Comarniceanu, M. Janssen, C. Otto, et al., Test characteristics of Raman spectroscopy integrated with polarized light microscopy for the diagnosis of acute gouty arthritis. Joint Bone Spine, 2023. 90(6): p. 105611.
2. Niessink,T., M. Janssen, T. Giesen, M.N. Efdé, A.C. Comarniceanu, C. Otto, et al., The diagnostic accuracy of Ramanspectroscopy integrated with polarized light microscopy for calcium pyrophosphate associated arthritis. Arthritis Care & Research.n/a(n/a).
3. Jansen, T.L., M. Janssen, C. Otto, J.L.G. Vosters, and T. Niessink, Raman spectroscopic analysis of joint capsule calcification of the fingers. Clin Rheumatol, 2024. 43(5): p. 1783-1784.
4. Niessink, T., R.H.M.J. Stassen, B. Kischkel, P. Vuscan, P.J. Emans, G.G.H. van den Akker, et al., Discovery of calcite as a new pro-inflammatory calcium-containing crystal in human osteoarthritic synovial fluid. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.
5. van der Weele, L., T. Niessink, M. Maas, P. Don Griot, M. Janssen, C. Otto, et al., Clinical image: synovitis of the metacarpophalangeal joints. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2022: p. ard-2022-223290.
6. Niessink, T., M. Janssen, T.L. Jansen, and C. Otto, The Prevalence of Titanium Dioxide Particles in Synovial Fluid Samples Drops after European Union Ban. Gout, Urate, and Crystal Deposition Disease, 2024. 2(1): p. 45-51.
7. Niessink, T., M. Janssen, T. Jansen, and C. Otto, AB1529 MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN SYNOVIAL FLUID SAMPLES FROM SWOLLEN JOINTS ANALYZED WITH RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2023. 82(Suppl 1): p. 1997-1997.