US-based Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) has partnered with New Zealand-based Ubiquitome to develop mobile Ebola test for easy use in the field.
The new Ubiquitome Freedom4 Real-Time RT-PCR Ebola Virus Assay will provide accurate and consistent test results for Ebola virus disease, said IDT.
Ubiquitome CEO Paul Pickering said: "The Ubiquitome Freedom4 Real-Time RT-PCR Ebola Virus Assay, run on the Freedom4, will allow rapid, accurate field testing of Ebola virus disease.
The rapid test is being designed to run on Ubiquitome’s hand-held and battery powered real-time PCR device, the Freedom4.
Ubiquitome’s Freedom4 instrument operates on battery power alone for up to six hours and runs using an iPhone or laptop computer.
It is housed in a rugged aluminum casing and features a state design that includes laser-based optical detection, which offers better performance in real-time PCR.
IDT chief commercial officer Stephen Gunstream said: "The sensitivity and specificity of our PrimeTime qPCR Assays are well established. We are excited about how effectively we can combine IDT’s assay design expertise with Ubiquitome’s Freedom4 instrument to provide a field testing service for Ebola virus disease."
IDT noted that the new Ebola test will be conducted by Battelle in Aberdeen, Maryland, US.
Image: The Freedom4 Real-Time PCR Instrument delivers results within one hour. Photo: courtesy of Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.