
Ad Astra Diagnostics (AAD) is developing patient-side, rapid diagnostic systems for faster health decisions. Their flagship product, QScout CBC, provides a complete blood count in about 2 minutes from a fingerstick or venous blood sample, eliminating the need to wait for central lab results. QScout CBC also measures immature granulocytes, an early marker for sepsis. The QScout RLD is the first cleared test for measuring immature granulocytes at the point of care. The company emphasizes its technology uses an imaging-based system with AI analysis, avoiding the challenges of flow cytometry or the Coulter Principle. AAD aims to increase access to diagnostics and improve patient care by enabling fast health decisions.

Ad Astra Diagnostics (AAD) is developing patient-side, rapid diagnostic systems for faster health decisions. Their flagship product, QScout CBC, provides a complete blood count in about 2 minutes from a fingerstick or venous blood sample, eliminating the need to wait for central lab results. QScout CBC also measures immature granulocytes, an early marker for sepsis. The QScout RLD is the first cleared test for measuring immature granulocytes at the point of care. The company emphasizes its technology uses an imaging-based system with AI analysis, avoiding the challenges of flow cytometry or the Coulter Principle. AAD aims to increase access to diagnostics and improve patient care by enabling fast health decisions.
Product: QScout CBC rapid point-of-care complete blood count (about 2 minutes) including immature granulocytes
Regulatory: FDA 510(k) clearance for QScout RLD (announced Dec 7, 2023)
Location: Morrisville, North Carolina
Funding signal: BARDA contract funding for development (federal awards)
Slow central lab turnaround for CBCs delays triage and treatment decisions; need for rapid, accessible hematology diagnostics at the point of care.
2022
Biotechnology
USD 5.0M (with potential up to USD 12.6M)
Federal BARDA contract awarded to develop next-generation CBC/sepsis diagnostic (potential total up to USD 12.6M)
Company-listed last funding date
“Company lists institutional investors including Cultivian Sandbox, Intersouth Partners, LabCorp, Middleland Capital, and Novartis Venture Fund; Springboard Enterprises listed as associated with non-equity assistance”