Automated Multiplex Diagnostics System Enables Rapid Detection of Multiple Pathogens

Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) releases its Compendium of Innovative Health Technologies for Low-resource Settings, which highlights commercially available solutions and prototypes designed to tackle the challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries in accessing effective, safe, and affordable health technologies. These technologies are crucial in addressing infectious diseases and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. The WHO’s 2024 Compendium has recommended a novel automated multiplex diagnostics system as an innovative technology with significant potential to support health systems in these regions.

Developed at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong), the Automated Multiplex Diagnostics System recommended by the WHO’s 2024 Compendium offers a fully automated solution for conventional laboratory-based PCR (polymerase chain reaction) processes. The system consists of three integrated components: an analytical machine, a microfluidic reagent cartridge, and software. Its unique design enables the detection of 42 respiratory pathogens—28 viruses, 11 bacteria, and 3 fungi—in less than 1.5 hours, without requiring a resource-heavy laboratory, specialized equipment, or highly trained technicians, while ensuring high sensitivity and specificity.

In addition to its impressive performance, the system also offers several advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, reduced turnaround time, and the ability to analyze multiple targets simultaneously. The system, created by a research team led by Professor Terence Lau from HKBU, is featured as one of 21 highlighted health technologies in the WHO’s 2024 Compendium under the prototype category. The concept for a fully automated, rapid, accurate, and affordable multiplex pathogen detection device was conceived in 2015, and its capabilities were expanded to support the detection of 40 targets, including SARS-CoV-2, in response to the urgent demand for decentralized diagnostics during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

"The System can identify infectious diseases and even non-communicable diseases, and is suitable for other non-medical applications," said Professor Lau. "With this System, we will be able to provide a comprehensive solution that can eventually promote equitable access and decentralized testing for an effective and high-quality healthcare system which WHO emphasizes."

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