AgPlus Diagnostics has unveiled the first working prototype of its new hand-held system for rapid on-the-spot diagnostic results.
The analytical platform is now fully operational and available for demonstration, delivering laboratory-grade, quantifiable results within just 10 minutes of sample application.
Utilising electrochemical immunoassay technology in a patented microfluidic chip format, its unique signalling and measurement system, based on the detection of amplified silver ions by anodic stripping voltammetry, allows sensitive, accurate and quantifiable results to be obtained from a very small sample volume (50µl). Additionally, the system does not rely on an optical-based detection method, so no sample preparation is required, making it ideal for multiple sample types and for testing in a range of settings.
The first fully-functional AgPlus technology prototype will demonstrate an assay for human Troponin I, a cardiac marker used in clinical settings. The AgPlus Troponin I assay is currently showing a dynamic range of .1ng/ml – 50ng/ml with CVs <20% in a non-optimised format with assay run times of 10 minutes.
In addition, AgPlus tests for cortisol and testosterone are currently in development, which will be of value in sports science applications for developing more tailored training plans for athletes and to help reduce the chance of over training syndrome.
The technology has been developed so that it can be applied to new and established chemistries and the platform software is easily integrated into existing information management systems. AgPlus Diagnostics foresee further potential for this technology in human and veterinary diagnostics, as well as in environmental and military applications.
“The first working AgPlus technology system prototype is an important milestone for AgPlus Diagnostics, demonstrating the successful coming together of this novel diagnostic assay and its unique analytical platform to achieve a fully-functional, portable system that can deliver accuracy and sensitivity that’s on a par with laboratory analysers,” said chief executive, Keith Page.
