Development of an ultra-rapid, point-of care diagnostic system for Chlamydia and gonorrhoea

This project is to develop a system for ultra-rapid and highly sensitive, DNA-based Point-Of-Care tests for Chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The system will use a disposable cartridge for testing a patient sample which will be processed using a low cost reader instrument. The system will have innovative features ensuring ease of use & accuracy which include:
• automated end-to-end processing of samples with no user intervention
• all reagents stored on cartridge making the reader simple to use and virtually maintenance-free
• a novel & sensitive electrochemical detection system allowing the reader to be small and low cost
• on-board quality controls, and high multiplex capability for future menu expansion
The core technology comes from research carried out at Atlas and the project combines the expertise in electrochemical assay design, reagent formulation and fluidic design at Atlas with market understanding and engineering capability at Randox Laboratories, a leading UK diagnostics company. The Health Protection Agency will provide clinical expertise, and coordinate the clinical evaluation. The project will deliver a pre-production prototype of the system fully tested in relevant clinical settings.