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Hand-portable device detects biological agents

March. 14, 2003

BALTIMORE - A portable system for detecting biological agents has just gotten smaller. Researchers from Idaho Technology Inc. present data on a new handheld detector that can run on batteries today at the American Society for Microbiology's Bio-defense Research Meeting.

In 1998, Idaho Technology developed the Ruggedized Advanced Pathogen Identification Device (R.A.P.I.D.-), a portable device that used a rapid diagnostic technology called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify biological agents in under 30 minutes. Over 350 R.A.P.I.D. units are currently in use by US DOD, NATO members and others worldwide.

"Real-time PCR machines will be an essential component of the response to a bio-terrorist attack. Such machines should be portable, have low power consumption and require minimal expertise or equipment to operate," says Mark Poritz of Idaho Technology, one of the lead researchers on the study. "The RAPID, at 50 pounds and requiring a 110-volt power source is best used in a field hospital setting. A small, battery operated instrument is needed for true field operations."

Poritz and his colleagues present data today on a new PCR device, called RazorTM, that weighs only 8 pounds and can analyze 12 samples in 22 minutes running only on battery power. The Razor uses thin-film plastic pouches as reaction containers. The pouches are preloaded with freeze-dried PCR reagents and the DNA samples loaded into the machine using syringes so there is minimal operator setup

"Because of its ease of use and portability the Razor should have multiple uses in diagnostics and environmental testing," says Poritz.

American Society for Microbiology
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