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Revolutionising Diagnostics

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The powerful combination of Molecular Isothermal Amplification and Lateral Flow Technology

Introduction
Demystifying the Powerhouse Duo
Universal nucleic acid lateral flow test for easy prototyping
How does it work
Looking for a different configuration? No problem!
Industries Poised for Transformation
The Road Ahead

Introduction

In our latest blog, Abingdon Health’s CTO, Nina Garrett, and Global Product Manager, Dr Elen Withycombe, take a look at the rise in molecular diagnostics crossing over to lateral flow rapid tests.

For decades, traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been the gold standard for detecting specific DNA and RNA sequences. However, PCR requires specialised equipment and controlled laboratory settings, limiting its accessibility for rapid on-site testing. This is where the exciting merger of molecular isothermal amplification and lateral flow technology steps in, offering a powerful solution across many industries.

Demystifying the Powerhouse Duo

Isothermal amplification, unlike PCR, amplifies target nucleic acids at a constant temperature, eliminating the need for expensive thermal cyclers. This method is faster and simpler, making it ideal for many applications like point-of-care. Popular isothermal techniques include loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), both known for their high sensitivity and specificity.

Lateral Flow Assays (LFAs), like the ones used in home pregnancy and Covid-19 tests, are easy to use devices whereby a sample migrates across a membrane, encountering specific capture molecules. If the target is present, a visible signal such as a coloured line appears, offering a user-friendly readout.

Combining these technologies creates a powerful diagnostic tool that provides the sensitivity and specificity of isothermal amplification, with the rapid read out results of lateral flow assays: isothermal amplification-lateral flow (IA-LFA) assays.

Let’s delve into the key advantages of this innovative approach:

  • Speed: Results are often available within 30- 60 minutes, significantly faster than PCR. This rapid turnaround time allows for immediate decision-making in critical situations.
  • Simplicity and Portability: The isothermal process eliminates the need for complex equipment, making such tests ideal for use in resource-limited settings or at the point of care. The portable nature allows testing to be conducted in clinics, homes, or even in the field.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: The simple setup alongside minimal infrastructure translates to lower costs compared to traditional PCR methods. This opens doors to wider accessibility and affordability.
  • User-Friendliness: The visual interpretation of results on a lateral flow strip makes these tests incredibly user-friendly, with minimal training required for operators. This empowers individuals to conduct self-testing or healthcare workers to perform rapid diagnostics in remote locations.
  • High Sensitivity and Specificity: Modern isothermal amplification techniques boast sensitivity comparable to PCR, ensuring accurate detection of target molecules. Additionally, specific primer design ensures minimal cross-reactivity, leading to reliable results.

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    Universal nucleic acid lateral flow test for easy prototyping

    Establishing proof of concept for an IA-LFA assay couldn’t be easier with Abingdon Health’s universal nucleic acid lateral flow test PCRD . A lateral flow test designed to be used as a rapid read-out for any post isothermal amplification reaction. Already developed and available to purchase today.

    How does it work

    Put simply, the lateral flow test works as the read out for the amplification reaction.  The isothermal amplification reaction is performed as normal, with the exception of the addition of labelled primers. Once amplified the solution is diluted with Abingdon’s proprietary buffer and applied to the PCRD lateral flow test, with results available after 10 minutes.

    Image 1 – Sample Application

    The amplified sample is diluted in the buffer solution and 75µl added to the lateral flow strip

    Image 2 – Sample Reaction with Test Lines and visual result

     

    PCRD has two test lines enabling two amplicons of interest to be detected.

    Looking for a different configuration? No problem!

    At Abingdon Health, our team has over 20 years’ experience in the lateral flow market and is a knowledge leader in the development, manufacture, regulatory approval and distribution of lateral flow products. Our expert R&D team can customise our PCRD to suit your project from different labels to number of test lines, we can make it work for you.

     Industries Poised for Transformation

    The unique advantages of IA-LFA hold immense potential for revolutionising testing and diagnostics across various sectors:

      • Healthcare: Rapid and accurate detection of infectious diseases like influenza, COVID-19, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the point of care can significantly improve patient management strategies and outbreak control. Such tests can also be used for early detection of chronic illnesses, allowing for timely intervention and improved health outcomes.
      • Food Safety: Contamination of food with pathogens poses a significant health risk. IA-LFA tests can be employed for on-site detection of foodborne bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain. This can prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness and protect consumers.
      • Environmental Monitoring: IA-LFA tests can be used to detect environmental contaminants like bacteria or pollutants in water or soil samples. This rapid and portable approach allows for real-time monitoring and facilitates swift action to address environmental concerns.
      • Veterinary Medicine: Rapid detection of infectious diseases in animals not only safeguards animal health but could also prevents the spread of diseases further afield. IA-LFA tests can be used for on-site diagnosis of diseases in livestock and companion animals, enabling veterinarians to implement appropriate treatment plans promptly.
      • Biosecurity: The ability to detect specific bacteria or viruses quickly and efficiently is crucial for national security. IA-LFA tests can be used for rapid screening at airports, border crossings, or other critical entry points, potentially mitigating the spread of dangerous pathogens.

     

    The Road Ahead

    The future of IA-LFA technology appears bright. Continuous advancements in isothermal amplification techniques and lateral flow strip design promise even faster, more sensitive, and more complex assays, including multiplex assays capable of detecting multiple targets simultaneously. Additionally, research on integrating digital readers with IA-LFA strips can offer quantitative results and facilitate data mapping and storage.

    This powerful combination enables faster, simpler, and more accessible diagnostics, aiding a healthier and safer future.

    To learn more, on our molecular advances in lateral flow technology or to understand how Abingdon Health’s team of experts can take your lateral flow assay project from idea to commercial success contact us today using the form below.

     

     

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