The PG-Detect Point of Care (POC) Detection Device brings the accuracy of PCR testing into a portable device that can provide results within the hour. Traditionally, PCR is used to amplify a target genetic sequence in a patient sample into millions of copies. These copies can be fluorescently or colorimetrically tagged so that if the target sequence is present, it can be detected. This is the same method that is utilized when a COVID-19 test is sent out to a laboratory. Unfortunately, this type of testing requires expensive, large thermocycling equipment that can only be used in a laboratory setting. Thus, PCR testing cannot be performed at a point of care and requires more time to get results back.
Accurate genetic testing no longer needs to be restricted to a laboratory setting.
The invention of a new process for target sequence amplification and detection has the potential to change the aforementioned traditional PCR process. New technology allows for the amplification of genetic material at single temperature, and much more quickly (~30 minutes). This allows for the technology to be incorporated into the design of a POC device. This website will cover the design and prototyping of such a device. The portable device will provide a reaction vessel for the amplification process to occur and then analyze the sample for the presence of a target genetic sequence. Essentially, the development of a portable device that supports isothermal amplification and detection of any genetic material permits PCR-level accuracy testing to occur in a point of care setting.
A portable detection device such as PG-Detect can be applied in a vast majority of settings. For instance, a field worker in a low resource setting can now have accurate genetic testing at their fingertips instead of having to rely on an external laboratory — a luxury which is likely not even available. Additionally, the device can detect any genetic material of interest so the potential applications are even broader than this.
PG-Detect will revolutionize genetic testing by making a valuable laboratory technique accessible anywhere.
References
- Soroka, M., Wasowicz, B., & Rymaszewska, A. (2021). Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP): The Better Sibling of PCR? Cells, 10(8), 1931.