POC Diagnostic Respiratory Panel Tests for Presence of Multiple Viruses and Bacteria

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 Jun 2022

Image: Genomtec ID Respiratory Panel 5-Plex (RP5-PLEX) as received CE-IVD certification (Photo courtesy of Genomtec SA)

A new diagnostic panel for the detection of pathogens causing respiratory diseases simultaneously tests for the presence of as many as five viruses and bacteria in the same test.

Genomtec SA’s (Wrocław, Poland) Genomtec ID RP5-PLEX diagnostic panel simultaneously detects the presence of Influenza A and B viruses, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), SARS-CoV-2 and the atypical bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. The panel runs on the Genomtec ID Analyzer, one of the smallest portable genetic laboratories in the world, with which a reaction card (panel) is used along with a sample from a patient to perform a genetic test.

The Genomtec ID Analyzer offers ultrafast mobile genetic diagnosis utilizing the company’s unique SNAAT (Streamlined Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology) technology, which enables precise pathogen detection even in 15 minutes. The proper design of the diagnostic system, i.e. combination of the LAMP method with microfluidics and a contactless photonic heating system, makes it possible to conduct isolation, purification, and concentration of genetic material together with amplification and detection of pathogen-specific DNA or RNA fragments in record breaking time, while maintaining effectiveness equal or better to the currently used lab PCR methods.

The SNAAT method can be used for multiplexing (simultaneous detection of multiple diagnostic targets) on microfluidic card, which means that a single diagnostic test can at once detect even up to five pathogens. The combination of nucleic acid isolation, purification and concentration stages executed onto the passive microfluidic card (with no embedded electronics nor electric parts) makes it possible for the SNAAT to significantly reduce the limit of detection for the target nucleic acid and decrease production costs of disposable reaction cards at the same time. The Genomtec ID RP5-PLEX diagnostic panel which runs on the SNAAT-based Genomtec ID Analyzer has received CE-IVD certification. Genomtec is working to acquire as many distributors in Europe as possible, optimize the cost of manufacturing of the analyzer and reaction cards, and prepare for scalable production of its flagship solution.

“I am very proud to register and assign CE-IVD mark for our first POCT product that enables rapid genetic testing targeting respiratory tract infections,” said Miron Tokarski, co-founder and CEO of Genomtec.

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Genomtec SA