Suitcase Laboratory Set to Improve Ebolavirus Control

A portable laboratory for the diagnosis of Ebolavirus has been developed and the new method is six to ten times faster than the current one, equally sensitive and will be tested in Africa soon.

Currently, laboratory tests for Ebolavirus use a technique called real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that looks for the genome signature of the virus in the sample, and although PCR machines are becoming smaller, they are not suitable for remote locations with no electricity and refrigeration.

Scientists at the German Primate Center (DPZ; Göttingen, Germany) have developed Diagnostics-in-a-Suitcase, which contains all reagents and equipment to detect the Ebolavirus within 15 minutes at point-of-need. Moreover, the mobile suitcase laboratory will be operated by an integrated solar panel and a power pack.

The Diagnostics-in-a-Suitcase is based on the Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) technology developed by TwistDx Ltd. (Cambridge, UK). This method was adapted to be used for Ebolavirus diagnosis by scientists at the University Medical Center Göttingen (Germany). RPA is as sensitive as PCR, but extremely rapid and works at a constant temperature, meaning no rapid heat-cycling equipment is required. Furthermore, reagents used in the RPA test are cold chain independent, which allows them to be used and transported at ambient temperature.

Christiane Stahl-Hennig, DMV, who heads DPZ's Unit of Infection Models, said, “The early detection of Ebola infected patients will lead to a more effective virus control since medical staff can identify and isolate confirmed Ebola cases more rapidly. The Diagnostics-in-a-Suitcase will therefore contribute to a better management during the Ebola-outbreak.” The idea is the Diagnostics-in-a-Suitcase will enable the rapid detection of Ebolavirus not only out in the field but also at other points of need such as airports and quarantine stations.

Related Links:
German Primate Center 
TwistDx Ltd.
University Medical Center Göttingen