Fully Automated Biodetection System

The Idaho Technology FilmArray is able to identify, in a closed system, dozens of the most lethal viruses and bacteria, including emerging infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian influenza. The simple-to-use, syringe-loaded system represents the next generation in automated detection systems.

The FilmArray uses a plastic pouch with automated capabilities, including sample preparation, reverse transcription for RNA viruses, and a two-stage nested multiplex PCR process. The results are a revolutionary detection system in a lightweight, small-footprint format.

Durable Sample Pouch

The thin, clear, flexible plastic pouches are designed for simplicity. The samples are loaded into the pouch with a cannula-tipped syringe—no measuring required. All necessary components—primers, probes, enzymes, and buffers are included in the pouch.

Up to 120 second-stage PCR reactions can be performed in one test with a single pouch. This number is sufficient to perform multiple tests for a large panel of pathogens with necessary controls for amplification and contamination.

Fully automated sample processing:

• Nucleic acid preparation from a crude sample
  
• Reverse transcription of target RNA into cDNA
  
• First-stage multiplex PCR using a mixture of “outer” primers to the target organisms
  
• 120 second-stage real-time PCR reactions using primers nested inside the outer amplicon, species specific
  
• A high-resolution DNA amplicon melt

Robust Analysis Software

The FilmArray desktop software runs the system and automatically analysis the results. Results are displayed in the intuitive, easy-to-read analysis window.

The analysis software recognizes multiple controls used with each run. Controls include

• Machine performance
• Extraction performance
• Chemistry performance