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Technology

DiagCor flow-through hybridization maximizes MDx lab productivity and service quality

DiagCor’s patented flow-through hybridization technology makes it faster, easier and more economical to analyse DNA and RNA samples. Flow-through assays also offer excellent sensitivity and specificity.

We offer stand-alone hybridization solutions and complete MDx systems with associated services and support.

The DiagCor range of cost-effective genetic test kits includes common medical and food applications. We have more MDx tests in our product pipeline – subscribe to MDX Newsletter to learn about them.

Introduction to DNA/RNA molecular diagnostics

Analysis of nucleic acid is generally available in three resolutions:

  • High resolution gene sequencing identifies the precise genome, or components of the molecule that forms the building blocks of life.

    Preferred by researchers, this approach generates lots of data. It’s more expensive, takes longer to perform, and requires more analytical experience to read.
  • Medium resolution multiplex analysis isolates and identifies a specific type of DNA or RNA molecule, and its variants, with a high degree of accuracy.

    The optimum approach for clinical testing because up to 30 disease sub-types (or other variables) can be identified from a single sample.
  • Low resolution real time PCR testing indicates the presence of a specific molecule within a narrow range of variants.

    Faster and cheaper, this approach is useful in disease screening, food content testing and similar applications.


DiagCor’s specialist technology and simple lab protocols excel at producing accurate medium-resolution analyses of various types of genetic material. We also offer low-resolution solutions.

Genetic testing step-by-step



  • Obtain the assay – Process a specimen of blood, tissue or other genetic material to concentrate the DNA (or RNA) into an assay.
  • Amplify the DNA – Subject the assay to a precisely controlled sequence of temperature changes to stimulate a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that causes target DNA molecules to replicate.
  • Hybridize the amplicons – The concentrated assay is then hybridized – paired with a solution of existing genetic material obtained from a pre-formulated test kit.
  • Analyze the test results – Hybridization stimulates a reaction that will identify the presence and type of the target DNA or RNA molecules. Lack of reaction indicates a negative result.

DiagCor’s patented flow-through hybridization technology and simple lab protocols delivers easy-to-read results.

We greatly reduce the time and cost of medium-resolution DNA analysis and make genetic testing available to more people than ever.

Advantages of DiagCor’s flow-through hybridization

DNA hybridization is key to the practical, cost-effective identification of specific genetic material.

DiagCor’s patented flow-through hybridization technology works by binding assay and amplicons via a vacuum process.

The presence of target molecules are displayed in a binary format on a nitrocellulose membrane for instant identification.

The technology means hybridization no longer takes hours.

Flow-through hybridization avoids the inefficiency of shaking by channelling the target molecule towards the probes by applying suction via a vacuum. This unique process directs the amplicons towards the DNA probes to form duplexes.

The invention of flow-through changed the hybridization process from passive channeling to active channeling, allowing the recombination reactions to complete in seconds. This delivers many advantages:

Speed

Cut hybridization time from 6 hours to 35 minutes

Conventional hybridization requires assays to be shaken for many hours to obtain a result.

Flow-through hybridization delivers a result in as little as 35 minutes. Multiple tests can be conducted simultaneously. Automating the process makes it even faster.

Accuracy

Be more confident about your diagnoses

Conventional hybridization delivers low resolution results in an analogue form characterized by high noise. Attempting to increase the sensitivity of this method often reduces the specificity of the test.

Flow-through hybridization is highly sensitive with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The high specificity of the process enables more genetic types to be accurately identified with a single test.

Simplicity

Less training required

Conventional hybridization typically produces difficult-to-analyse low resolution blotting. Without considerable experience, results are often misread.

Flow-through hybridization delivers medium resolution results in a simple binary format that can be read instantly with little training.

Multiplexing

Obtain more results from a single sample

Conventional hybridization typically provides only one reliable test result. Attempting to obtain more results often means more false positives.

Flow-through hybridization enables the unambiguous detection of multiple pathogens and genotypes to be identified accurately in a single reaction.

Flexibility

One setup, many applications

Conventional hybridization is less efficient therefore less productive.

Flow-through hybridization increases lab output. Test kits are readily available for many common conditions and applications. Different tests can be applied on a single MDx platform. The range of compatible test kits continues to expand.

Lower costs

Making MDx more accessible

Conventional hybridization is more expensive when every factor is considered.

Flow-through hybridization is more efficient, faster and requires less training. It all adds up to a lower total cost of ownership.



Comparison of flow-through hybridization with other hybridization methods

Flow-through hybridization - Intellectual property

DiagCor’s founder and chairman, Dr Joseph W.O. Tam, is the original inventor of the fundamental method of Flow-through hybridization, developed during his appointment as an Associate Professor in the University of Hong Kong.

The invention provides a wide range of diagnostic and screening methods, as well as devices upon which these method are carried out; and DiagCor holds patents relating to its proprietary Flow-through hybridization system:

Flow-through apparatus

  • EP 11841225.3
  • CN 201180055560.1
  • CN 201180055536.8

Cartridge for a Flow-through apparatus

  • EP 11842085.0
  • CN 201610221757.2

Nucleotide sequences, methods and kits for detecting HPV

  • EP 20090827253
  • CN 200980144854.4

Rapid genotyping analysis and kits thereof

  • CN 201611054755.5