PCR firm aims to cut lab time for diagnostics
that can cut the diagnosis of disease and infection from hours to
30 minutes. This new test laboratory will soon begin trials in UK
hospitals.
Scientists at the country's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) developed the DNA test lab as a fast, accurate, battlefield detection system for biological warfare agents such as anthrax. The portable mini-lab, which uses the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) process to amplify DNA in biological samples, is a spin-off of this research.
The DSTL is commercialising the technology via a joint venture with industry. A spin-out company, called Enigma Diagnostics, will launch two rapid, fully automated diagnostic machines.
In time, Engima intends to provide systems that can fulfil a broad range of applications. These include in-the-field testing for animal diseases including foot and mouth or tuberculosis (TB) in cattle, within 30 minutes rather than taking samples back to a laboratory.
The system could also be used to detect genetic modifications (GM) in food at the food processing plant or at the point of sale and spot contamination such as Salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli. Other applications include the analysis of DNA samples at the scene of crime and while-you-wait testing at GP surgeries and clinics to guide the prescription of medicines.
However, the first trials, at hospitals in Portsmouth and Liverpool, will use urine samples to diagnose infections, notably the sexually-transmitted diseases chlamydia, within 40 minutes.
At present chlamydia testing requires samples to be sent away for analysis and can take up to two weeks to get the results back to the patient. Trials of the new system called NPTGold, will take place in genito-urinary clinics in the UK and are due to start by the end of the year.
DSTL head of technology transfer and investments group Tim Rubidge said: "This technology is not a twinkle in the eye of a research scientist looking far out into the future. We have a portfolio of more than 20 strong patents, field-tested instruments and continuing research projects supporting the Ministry of Defence and Department of Health."
Enigma Diagnostics has £5 million (€7.2mn) funding from a consortium of investors led by Porton Capital Limited and includes Treasury/private venture company Partnerships UK.
