Toward Portable PCR Based Diagnostics
The expensive costs of nucleic acid amplification based tests and limited technical expertise in the field have so far been the major hurdles for implementing their use as routine practices in laboratories across the nation. Technologies need to evolve, allowing faster, more sensitive, and cost-effective methods for pathogen surveillance, detection, and discovery.
The conventional traditional detection techniques involve direct examination or culturing of the etiologic agents, which are fastidious, unculturable and biohazardous. The traditional methods of laboratory testing with multiple preparatory steps increase the possibility of introducing pre-analytic errors. Also, the delay in processing of samples or testing may allow the samples to degrade.
A rapid and accurate detection technique with increased sensitivity is the need of the hour and with healthcare becoming increasingly available to a large number of people there is a greater requirement for faster detection techniques as the number of samples have increased significantly. This has led to an increase in demand of mobile devices (portable, stand-alone, battery operated, ultra-light), which can be operated under different conditions at various geographical locations. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in that, has resolved many of these problems.
With a vision to redefine PCR based solutions, we are developing a complete solution in the form of point of care PCR testing. Simplicity and Speed can be defined as the main challenges faced in Molecular Diagnostics in today’s world of emerging and re-emerging infections. Spot and amplify is truly a dream cum true for all molecular biologists. We are developing a simple and practical solution for challenges faced during sample collection and extraction. The Insta DNA card matrix is a unique one where we just have to spot the sample and direct speedy extraction of the genomic content is done. Thus, minimal expertise is required and no cold chain shipping of samples is needed. Also, easy sample collection is possible even from rural inaccessible areas. There will not be any issues of sample deterioration and sample volume required will be very minimal especially benefitting the neonatal and pediatric patients.
Wee PCR is a leading-edge technology designed to vend to the belief of earlier is better. These unique thermal cyclers have the potential to achieve that which is only an aspiration of the many. The portable Wee machine with its futuristic approach has made it possible for the instantaneous and accurate PCR-amplification leading to point of care diagnostics and subsequent treatment.
As a part of this solution, we are developing portable electrophoresis and transilluminator with ready to use Prepoured agarose gel. It can substantially reduce the therapeutic turnaround time which will allow the physicians to implement appropriate treatment for patients in critical care units.
The advantages of this point of care PCR diagnostics will be improvement in the speed of diagnosis. The most sensitive and specific diagnostic methodology will become accessible to all lab personnel. This will enhance the efficiency of bedside diagnostics making accurate reliable detection easily available at their fingertips. Rapid medical treatment will improve the patient prognosis. Also, these portable devices will require diminished space for operation and storage.
These products are a result of our continuous relentless endeavor to provide innovative solutions for researchers, clinicians and scientists so that they can conduct cutting edge molecular research.
