Hand-portable device detects biological agents

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 Razor TM , 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.

The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is the largest single life science society, composed of over 42,000 scientists, teachers, physicians, and health professionals. Its mission is to promote research and training in the microbiological sciences and to assist communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public to improve health, economic well being, and the environment.

Further information on the ASM Biodefense Research Meeting can be found online at www.asmbiodefense.org .