Introduction

Portable POCT (Point of Care) control device for PCR on a rhino-pharyngeal swabs. In the field of portable PCR machines, used to perform molecular swabs, the device performs five functions: operator training, control of the wear and calibration of the machine, standardization of viral detection protocols, identification of variants, sending of data to a data processing center for epidemiological control purposes in real time.

Technical features

The equipment performs five functions: 1) operator training; 2) checking the state of wear and calibration of the machine; 3) standardisation of viral detection protocols; 4) identification of variants; 5) sending the data to a data processing center for epidemiological control purposes in real time.The device is aimed at health workers and laboratory technicians who have never performed molecular swabs, allowing to set up immediately operational mobile stations even in the absence of already trained personnel, comparing the executions with those of more experienced personnel. In addition, it can be used to check the state of wear and the correct functioning of the optical and thermal hardware of the machine, to detect malfunctions, schedule maintenance and avoid responses that differ from the standard. It also allows the wireless adaptation of protocols and settings for the analysis of different viral or bacterial strains, in all machines connected to the network with the device. GPS localisation will allow you to create epidemiological maps, by sending the results of the analyses carried out in real time to dedicated servers. Another important element to consider is that this pad system can also be used in different types of environments, with consequent economies of scale.  TRL 2-3

Possible Applications

• Use  in different areas, redirecting the investment faced during the pandemic; Analysis of pathogens in agriculture and animal husbandry; Protection of native plant specie; Protection of IGT, DOP, DOC and DOGC.

Advantages

• Standardization of the results of molecular swabs; Overcoming of differences due to operators; Creation of the epidemiological picture of variants online; Tuning the system for other pandemics; Reuse of portable PCR machines in areas other than pandemics.