Ultra-Fast POC System Collapses Hours of Traditional PCR Into Minutes

Rapid detection of infectious diseases is crucial for preventing outbreaks and informing timely treatment decisions. Traditional PCR methods, while accurate, require centralized labs and can take hours, limiting their effectiveness in urgent scenarios. A new molecular diagnostic platform now enables extraction-free testing directly at the point of care, producing results in minutes without sacrificing accuracy.

Anbio Biotechnology (Frankfurt am Main, Germany) has launched the AP-100 Ultra-Fast PCR system, a compact device combining an advanced microfluidic thermal cycling process with high-efficiency enzymatic amplification chemistry. This integrated design allows direct processing of swab samples without nucleic acid extraction and supports both centralized lab and decentralized, near-patient use. The 668g device is optimized for mobility and streamlined workflows.

Image: The AP-100 ultra-fast PCR system delivers 15-minute PCR results from raw sample to answer (Photo courtesy of Anbio)

The system delivers 15-minute PCR results from raw sample to answer, offering broad pathogen coverage, including COVID-19, Flu A/B, RSV, MP, and ADV. Initially focused on respiratory infections, the AP-100 was built as a flexible molecular platform. It uses an extraction-free workflow without hazardous reagents, making it suitable for diverse clinical settings, from hospitals to field-based outbreak response.

In line with its global infectious disease strategy, Anbio is expanding its assay portfolio to include tuberculosis (TB) and human papillomavirus (HPV) tests, extending its use from rapid outbreak control to long-term disease management. The company has also introduced a Chikungunya IgM/IgG Rapid Test to support timely detection in tropical and subtropical regions, differentiating it from infections such as Dengue and Zika.

The Chikungunya test, based on immunochromatographic technology, enables reliable qualitative detection of specific antibodies in serum, plasma, or whole blood. These developments strengthen Anbio’s infectious disease diagnostics portfolio and enhance public health readiness against emerging and re-emerging threats.

"Outbreaks demand speed. The AP-100 collapses hours of traditional PCR into minutes, without compromising accuracy," said Michael Lau, CEO of Anbio Biotechnology. "Whether it's vector-borne fevers or respiratory pandemics, we believe diagnostics should move as fast as the threat."

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