New Digital Platform Technology Aims to Disrupt 50-Year-Old PCR Testing for Similar-Symptom Pathogens
|
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 14 Nov 2022 |
|
Disease caused by bacteria, pathogens and pollutants presents a significant threat to human health, safety and security. Now, a disruptive new diagnostic testing platform intends to be completely different from any others currently on the market and reshape the future of diagnostic testing.
IdentifySensors Biologics (Shaker Heights, OH, USA), along with leading researchers at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN, USA), has developed an innovative nanosensor technology, Check4. The technology platform uses electronic nanosensors to detect the genetic material of numerous pathogens, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Check4 is intended to be as accurate as a PCR test in minutes without a prescription. A nanosensor cartridge interacts with saliva to produce a distinguishable electronic signal for positive or negative results with accuracy that rivals PCR tests. Using saliva and the user’s smartphone, results will be delivered within minutes.
The Check4 testing platform consists of two parts: a reusable Bluetooth reader about the size of a cell phone; and a disposable test cartridge that attaches to the reader. As many as three pathogens can be detected simultaneously from a single test sample. Digital graphene sensors inside the cartridges target conserved regions of the genome allowing for high sensitivity and specificity. The sensors inside the disposable cartridges can be functionalized to detect a wide range of similar-symptom pathogens. Multiplex tests are being developed for respiratory (COVID, RSV and influenza), stomach (Norovirus, Rotavirus and Adenovirus) and sexually transmitted pathogens (HIV, Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Herpes). Other tests in development include SEPSIS, MRSA, Lyme and equatorial pathogens such as Zika, Dengue, Yellow Fever and West Nile.
Check4 is easy to use and fast, accurate, and affordable. It is intended to avoid the limitations of current molecular tests such as enzymatic reactions, amplification, sample preservation or sample transportation, which can introduce artifacts and raise the risk of false positives. The technology avoids costly elements used by laboratory-based molecular tests such as enzymes and reagents that are in short supply. It also eliminates the need for laboratory technicians, diagnostic machines and personal protective equipment. The reusable reader is intended to cost about USD 130.
Related Links:
IdentifySensors Biologics
Purdue University
Latest Point of Care News
Channels
Artificial Intelligence
view channel
Machine Learning Approach Enhances Liver Cancer Risk Stratification
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer, is often detected late despite targeted surveillance programs. Current screening guidelines emphasize patients with known cirrhosis,... Read more
New AI Approach Monitors Brain Health Using Passive Wearable Data
Brain health spans cognitive and emotional functions and can fluctuate even in adults without diagnosed disease. Detecting early changes remains difficult in routine care and burdens specialty services... Read more
Critical Care
view channel
Automated IV Labeling Solution Improves Infusion Safety and Efficiency
Medication administration in high-acuity settings is often complicated by multiple concurrent infusions, making accurate line identification essential. In a 10-hospital intensive care unit study, 60% of... Read more
First-Of-Its-Kind AI Tool Detects Pulmonary Hypertension from Standard ECGs
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive, life‑threatening disease that is frequently missed early because symptoms such as dyspnea are nonspecific and diagnostic delays can exceed two years.... Read more
Surgical Techniques
view channel
Continuous Monitoring with Wearables Enhances Postoperative Patient Safety
Postoperative hypoxemia on general surgical wards is common and often missed by intermittent vital sign checks. Undetected low oxygen levels can delay recovery and raise the risk of complications that... Read more
New Approach Enables Customized Muscle Tissue Without Biomaterial Scaffolds
Volumetric muscle loss is a traumatic loss of skeletal muscle that often leads to permanent functional impairment and limited reconstructive options. Current experimental strategies struggle to deliver... Read more
Patient Care
view channel
Wearable Sleep Data Predict Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disorder that makes breathing difficult and often disturbs sleep, reducing energy for daily activities. Limited engagement in pulmonary... Read more
Revolutionary Automatic IV-Line Flushing Device to Enhance Infusion Care
More than 80% of in-hospital patients receive intravenous (IV) therapy. Every dose of IV medicine delivered in a small volume (<250 mL) infusion bag should be followed by subsequent flushing to ensure... Read more
Health IT
view channel
EMR-Based Tool Predicts Graft Failure After Kidney Transplant
Kidney transplantation offers patients with end-stage kidney disease longer survival and better quality of life than dialysis, yet graft failure remains a major challenge. Although a successful transplant... Read more
Printable Molecule-Selective Nanoparticles Enable Mass Production of Wearable Biosensors
The future of medicine is likely to focus on the personalization of healthcare—understanding exactly what an individual requires and delivering the appropriate combination of nutrients, metabolites, and... Read more
Business
view channel
GE HealthCare Leads Major European Initiative to Advance Cardio-Oncology Care
Cardiovascular complications are increasingly recognized among people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, driven by pre‑existing disease and the cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy,... Read more
