Supply chain shortages of reagents and test kits throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have limited the rapid expansion of clinical testing needed to contain the virus. Researchers have developed a new microchip-based technology that uses less reagents and produces rapid results in less than 30 minutes. Compared to the gold standard tube-based PT-PCR tests, this new platform offers a cheaper and faster alternative to the most reliable and sensitive test currently used worldwide.
In the study, researchers validated a microchip PCR technology for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples by collecting nasopharyngeal swabs from eight patients with positive COVID-19 test results and 13 patients with negative COVID-19 test results, running the samples on each platform. The microchip kit miniaturized the reaction volumes needed by 10-fold, resulting in lower reagent consumption and faster assay times (in as little as 30 minutes compared to about 70 minutes), while maintaining the same gold standard in sensitivity compared with higher-volume techniques. Because the kit comes preloaded with SARS-CoV-2 primers and probes, it may further reduce operator-associated errors, improving the reliability of analysis in remote settings. The study was published in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics.
"Although further testing of additional clinical samples and sample types may be needed before this assay can be widely deployed, these preliminary results demonstrate a promising, versatile technology that can be easily configured and mobilized to detect infections of current and future emerging viruses, overcoming current bottlenecks and ensuring a faster response in the future,” said lead investigator Peter Unrau.
Photo: A) AriaDNA analyzer. B) Microchip for coronavirus disease 2019 detection with lyophilized reagents in the microwells displayed along with its packaging. Credit: Lumex Instruments Canada