Collaboration Launches First Lab-On-Chip For Flu Detection

Pairing the company's In-Check lab-on-chip platform with Veredus’ bio-application capability, VereFlu debuts as the first lab on chip capable of rapidly detecting all major influenza types at the point of need. According to the companies, the device can detect infection with high accuracy and sensitivity within two hours, providing genetic information of the infection that traditionally would take days to weeks to learn. Integrating two molecular applications on a chip approximately the size of a fingernail, it identifies and differentiates strains of influenza A and B viruses including the Avian Flu strain H5N1 in a single test. The In-Check platform allows users to process and analyze minute samples, i.e., blood, serum, or respiratory swabs, right on a single disposable chip. Additionally, this approach promises to reduce test time and complexity as well as the risk of cross-contamination prevalent in conventional analysis methods. For more details, call STMICROELECTRONICS, Lexington, MA. (888) 787-3550.