Genetic Analyzer Detects Avian Flu Virus

A desk-top genetic analyzer can rapidly identify individuals who have avian flu strain H5N1. If the genetic makeup of the virus mutates so that it can be transmitted from human to human, diagnosing those who have the flu before they enter a country would help prevent a pandemic.

The Had-gt12t genetic analyzer developed by eGene (Irvine, CA, USA) is already being used by more than 100 hospitals and research centers worldwide. A multi-capillary system, it is designed to overcome the bottlenecks of gel electrophoresis, improve workflow, and increase the productivity of medium-to-high-throughput laboratories. It uses solid-state light sources and micro optical collectors to make the system compact and affordable. The avian H5N1 virus strain is identified using direct reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The system can analyze any disease's genetic signature, including those of malaria, hepatitis B and C, AIDS, and tuberculosis.

The system analyzes genetic fingerprinting of living organisms through microsatellites, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). It performs RNA and oligonucleotide quality checks as well as fast DNA sample screening, high resolution DNA fragment analysis (2–5bp), and large DNA fragment analysis (up to 10Kb). The system also analyzes the quality and quantity of total RNA and complementary RNA (cRNA), determines the efficiency of cRNA and complementary DNA (cDNA) amplification reactions, and ensures high quality of fragmented cRNA. The company sells cartridges that are specific to the type of analysis required. All data are then received in digital form for appropriate transmission and storing.


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