TechConnect Innovation Spotlight: iTester Hand-Held Multi-Assay Reader

May 24, 2014 01:41 PM EST By: Sarah Wenning

Northern Arizona University, TechConnect World 2013 National & Global Innovation Awardee, Washington, DC

TechConnect spoke with Dr. Timothy Vail, Adjunct Professor and Associate Northern Arizona University (NAU) Innovations.  Mr. Vail presented NAU’s assay reader innovation at the 2013 TechConnect World-National Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C.

When asked about the event, Vail said, “The venue was well organized, the presentations were interesting, and the panel discussions were more beneficial than other events I’ve attended.”  He added, “The size of the conference made networking easy and productive.  The Innovation Showcase was very successful in providing an opportunity to promote our larger IP portfolio to an interested and focused group of participants.”

The NAU handheld electronic lateral flow assay reader utilizes a seven-test cassette cartridge with results in less than ten minutes. Designed for field use, diagnostic panels can be customized for bio/chem threat assessment, environmental testing, and clinical diagnostics. Sample volume for the cassette is less than one milliliter.

This portable electronic platform is capable of running up to seven individual assays simultaneously with results in ten minutes or less. Diagnostic panels can be created for on-site environmental and public health needs, such as water and wastewater testing, biological and/or chemical threat assessment, and clinical diagnostics. The sample volume for the entire panel is less than one milliliter, and can analyze fluids including water, whole blood, serum, and saliva. At test completion, the device reads each assay result, and logs the assay data with annotation as needed. The entire system is composed of a durable instrument and single-use assay cartridges that can be archived or disposed of. The instrument is battery or household current powered, and intended for complete operation in remote locations. Benefits include the ability to gain real-time results from multiple tests with sensitivity comparable to expensive laboratory systems. The unit is rugged enough for field operations. The assay cassette holds up to seven distinct assays, and can be customized for a wide variety of applications.
This project is patent pending, and is now seeking a commercial development partner/licensee. “TechConnect provided an opportunity to sign several NDAs, and we are working to move this technology forward and into the marketplace”, said Vail.

To learn more please visit: www.nau.edu/Research/NAU-Innovations

 

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