DeviceGuru

Embedded chipmaker STMicroelectronics (ST) has announced commercial availability of a portable “lab-on-chip” claimed capable of detecting all major influenza types within two hours — including the Avian Flu strain H5N1.

VereFlu’s molecular diagnostic test reportedly provides an infection’s genetic map within two hours

VereFlu (shown above) combines ST’s lab-on-chip hardware platform (shown below) with Veredus Laboratories’s biological application software technology.

ST’s disposable “lab-on-chip” platform is based on a thumbnail-sized chip

According to the companies, the device can identify and differentiate human strains of Influenza A and B viruses, including the Avian Flu strain H5N1, in a single test instead of the many tests currently needed, saving days to weeks of vital time in fighting the spread of influenza.

ST says its lab-on-chip platform can be used to process and analyze patient samples, such as blood, serum, and respiratory swabs, on a single disposable thumbnail-sized chip. The company notes that in addition to minimizing the time and complexity of performing sample analysis, this approach also reduces cross-contamination risks.

“The diagnostic reliability of this novel device makes it a powerful weapon against future influenza pandemics,” suggests Associate Professor Raymond Lin, Head of Microbiology of the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the National University Hospital in Singapore.

Dr. Rosemary Tan, CEO of Veredus Laboratories, adds: “VereFlu will enable healthcare professionals to effectively monitor mutations of flu viruses and quickly identify the main strain of the season. This unique capability can significantly increase the effectiveness of flu vaccination and reduce public health risks associated with the emergence of a new flu virus.”

Today’s announcement reportedly follows successful trials conducted over the past year by the National University Hospital of Singapore, STMicroelectronics, and Veredus Laboratories.