POC PCR Sample Prep Liquid Composition for Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCR-based tests for SARS-CoV-2 require complex procedures, sophisticated instrumentation, and skilled personnel, making them time-consuming, costly, and inaccessible in resource-limited settings, necessitating the development of rapid and cost-effective diagnostic methods.
Innovation Solution
A liquid composition containing a low concentration of chaotropic salt, such as guanidinium thiocyanate, and optionally RNAse inhibitors, which prepares biological samples for direct use in Point-of-Care PCR analysis, enabling rapid and effective detection of SARS-CoV-2 or its genetic variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional PCR-based tests are used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then high sensitivity and specificity are achieved, but the test process becomes time-consuming (at least a few hours) and requires sophisticated instrumentation and skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the biological sample with a liquid composition containing chaotropic salt and RNAse inhibitor before PCR analysis. This pre-treatment step prepares the sample in advance, enabling rapid detection while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity. The composition is designed to work directly with minimal additional processing steps.
2Measurement precision
If traditional PCR-based tests are used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then high sensitivity and specificity are achieved, but the requirement for sophisticated instrumentation and experienced experts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of sample preparation into a simple liquid composition that can be applied directly to the biological sample. This separates the complex PCR instrumentation from the sample preparation step, allowing the use of simpler, more accessible equipment while maintaining detection accuracy through the optimized composition.
3Reliability
If traditional PCR-based tests are used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then reliable results are achieved, but the effort required from medical staff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid composition performs self-service by automatically inhibiting RNAse activity and preparing the sample for PCR analysis without requiring skilled personnel intervention. The composition contains RNAse inhibitor that actively protects the RNA from degradation, enabling reliable results with minimal operational complexity and reducing the skill level required for test execution.
4Measurement precision
If PCR tests are used in resource-limited settings, then diagnostic capability is provided, but the lack of equipped labs, instrumentation and experienced experts makes it difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the testing system by using a liquid composition with optimized chaotropic salt concentration (1-960 mM) and RNAse inhibitor that can be applied with minimal equipment. This parameter optimization enables PCR testing to be adapted to resource-limited settings while maintaining detection capability, as the composition works with simple instrumentation and requires only basic operational skills.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition allows for a single-step RNA isolation and subsequent PCR analysis, reducing the time from sample extraction to results to within 35 minutes, while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity, even in resource-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a chaotropic salt, preferably guanidinium thiocyanate, in a concentration ranging from 1 to 960 mM
Implementation Method 2
b) optionally one or more RNAse inhibitor
Data Source
AI summary
Liquid composition for the preparation of a biological sample for methods for assaying for the presence of SARS-COV-2 or genetic variations (mutant) of SARS-COV-2 wildtype in said sample by POC PCR comprising: • a) a chaotropic salt, preferably guanidinium thiocyanate, in a concentration ranging from 1 to 90 mM and • b) optionally one or more RNAse inhibitor.