scholarly journals Validation and in-field testing of a new on-site qPCR system for quantification of Legionella pneumophila according to ISO/TS 12869:2012 in HVAC cooling towers

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaimaa Ahmed ◽  
Urszula Liwak-Muir ◽  
Danielle Walker ◽  
Agnes Zoldowski ◽  
Alan Mears ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Technical Specification ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Laboratory Culture ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Cooling Towers ◽  
Sample Collection

Abstract Legionella pneumophila, found in engineered water systems such as HVAC cooling towers, poses a significant public health risk. Culture, though routinely used to quantify L. pneumophila, has several disadvantages including long turnaround time, low sensitivity, and inter-laboratory variability. In this study, we validated the performance of an on-site quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection system for L. pneumophila in accordance with International Standards Organization Technical Specification 12869:2012. We evaluated specificity, limit of detection and quantification, and calibration curve linearity. Additionally, we evaluated whole system recovery and robustness using samples taken from taps and evaporative cooling towers. We then compared the system's performance against laboratory culture and laboratory qPCR across 53 cooling towers in a 12-week in-field study. We found that concordance between on-site qPCR and culture was both laboratory- and site/sample-dependent. Comparison of laboratory qPCR with on-site qPCR revealed that laboratory results were highly variable and showed little concordance. Some discordance may be explained by time delay between sample collection and testing (‘shipping effect’) which may lead to inaccurate reporting. Overall, our study highlights the value of on-site qPCR detection of L. pneumophila, demonstrates that laboratories are prone to misreporting results due to shipping effects, and reveals significant discordance between laboratory qPCR and culture.

scholarly journals Saliva-Dry LAMP: A Rapid Near-Patient Detection System for SARS-CoV-2.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah Toppings ◽  
Abu Mohon ◽  
Yoonjung Lee ◽  
Hitendra Kumar ◽  
Daniel Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Fluorometric Detection ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Percent Agreement

Abstract The highly infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates the use of widespread testing to control the spread of the virus. Presently, the standard molecular testing method (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) is restricted to the laboratory, time-consuming, and costly. This increases the turnaround time for getting test results. The study sought to develop a rapid, near-patient saliva-based test for COVID-19 with similar accuracy to that of standard RT-PCR tests. A lyophilized dual-target reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test with fluorometric detection by the naked eye. The assay relies on dry reagents that are room temperature stable. A device containing a centrifuge, heat block, and blue LED light system was manufactured to reduce the cost of performing the assay. This test has a limit of detection of 1 copy/µL and achieved positive percent agreement of 100% [95% CI 88.43% to 100.0%] and negative percent agreement of 96.7% [95% CI 82.78% to 99.92%] on saliva. Saliva-Dry LAMP can be completed in 105 minutes. Precision, cross-reactivity, and interfering substances analysis met international regulatory standards. The combination of ease of sample collection, dry reagents, visual detection, low capital equipment cost, and excellent analytical sensitivity make Saliva-Dry LAMP particularly useful for resource-limited settings.

scholarly journals A rapid near-patient detection system for SARS-CoV-2 using saliva

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noah B. Toppings ◽  
Abu Naser Mohon ◽  
Yoonjung Lee ◽  
Hitendra Kumar ◽  
Daniel Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Fluorometric Detection ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Percent Agreement

AbstractThe highly infectious nature of SARS-CoV-2 necessitates the use of widespread testing to control the spread of the virus. Presently, the standard molecular testing method (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) is restricted to the laboratory, time-consuming, and costly. This increases the turnaround time for getting test results. This study sought to develop a rapid, near-patient saliva-based test for COVID-19 (Saliva-Dry LAMP) with similar accuracy to that of standard RT-PCR tests. A lyophilized dual-target reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) test with fluorometric detection by the naked eye was developed. The assay relies on dry reagents that are room temperature stable. A device containing a centrifuge, heat block, and blue LED light system was manufactured to reduce the cost of performing the assay. This test has a limit of detection of 1 copy/µL and achieved a positive percent agreement of 100% [95% CI 88.43% to 100.0%] and a negative percent agreement of 96.7% [95% CI 82.78–99.92%] relative to a reference standard test. Saliva-Dry LAMP can be completed in 105 min. Precision, cross-reactivity, and interfering substances analysis met international regulatory standards. The combination of ease of sample collection, dry reagents, visual detection, low capital equipment cost, and excellent analytical sensitivity make Saliva-Dry LAMP particularly useful for resource-limited settings.

scholarly journals Rapid Isothermal Amplification and Portable Detection System for SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ganguli ◽  
A. Mostafa ◽  
J. Berger ◽  
M. Aydin ◽  
F. Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Rna Extraction ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Isothermal Amplification ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
Viral Transport Medium

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic provides an urgent example where a gap exists between availability of state-of-the-art diagnostics and current needs. As assay details and primer sequences become widely known, many laboratories could perform diagnostic tests using methods such as RT-PCR or isothermal RT-LAMP amplification. A key advantage of RT-LAMP based approaches compared to RT-PCR is that RT-LAMP is known to be robust in detecting targets from unprocessed samples. In addition, RT-LAMP assays are performed at a constant temperature enabling speed, simplicity, and point-of-use testing. Here, we provide the details of an RT-LAMP isothermal assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus with performance comparable to currently approved tests using RT-PCR. We characterize the assay by introducing swabs in virus spiked synthetic nasal fluids, moving the swab to viral transport medium (VTM), and using a volume of that VTM for performing the amplification without an RNA extraction kit. The assay has a Limit-of-Detection (LOD) of 50 RNA copies/μL in the VTM solution within 20 minutes, and LOD of 5000 RNA copies/μL in the nasal solution. Additionally, we show the utility of this assay for real-time point-of-use testing by demonstrating detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in less than 40 minutes using an additively manufactured cartridge and a smartphone-based reader. Finally, we explore the speed and cost advantages by comparing the required resources and workflows with RT-PCR. This work could accelerate the development and availability of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics by proving alternatives to conventional laboratory benchtop tests.Significance StatementAn important limitation of the current assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 stem from their reliance on time- and labor-intensive and laboratory-based protocols for viral isolation, lysis, and removal of inhibiting materials. While RT-PCR remains the gold standard for performing clinical diagnostics to amplify the RNA sequences, there is an urgent need for alternative portable platforms that can provide rapid and accurate diagnosis, potentially at the point-of-use. Here, we present the details of an isothermal amplification-based detection of SARS-CoV-2, including the demonstration of a smartphone-based point-of-care device that can be used at the point of sample collection.

scholarly journals Epidermal Growth Factor Is Associated with Loss of Mucosae Sealing and Peri-Implant Mucositis: A Pilot Study

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1277
Author(s):  
José Jorge Schoichet ◽  
Carlos Fernando de Almeida Barros Mourão ◽  
Edgard de Mello Fonseca ◽  
Carlos Ramirez ◽  
Ricardo Villas-Boas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Epidermal Growth Factor ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Egfr Gene ◽  
Epidermal Growth ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Crevicular Fluid

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between epidermal growth factor (EGF) and receptor (EGFR) levels in different clinical stages of dental implant rehabilitation and trace mucositis development’s biological profile. Thirty-six participants from the Specialization in Implant Dentistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil, were included in the study and underwent sample collection: inside the alveolar socket, immediately before implant placement (Group 1, n = 10); at the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) during reopening (Group 2, n = 10); PICF from healthy peri-implant in function (Group 3, n = 8); and PICF from mucositis sites (Group 4, n = 18). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) evaluated EGF/EGFR gene expression using the SYBR Green Master Mix detection system. The results showed that EGF expression in the peri-implant crevicular fluid was statistically different. There was a higher EGF expression for group C (peri-implant health) (p = 0.04) than for the other groups. Regarding EGFR, there was no statistical difference among the groups (p = 0.56). It was concluded that low levels of EGF gene expression in the peri-implant crevicular fluid are related to the development of peri-implant mucositis and the absence of mucosae sealing. There was no correlation between EGFR gene expression with health or mucositis.

scholarly journals A Controlled Study on the Characterisation of Bioaerosols Emissions from Compost

Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zaheer Nasir ◽  
Catherine Rolph ◽  
Samuel Collins ◽  
David Stevenson ◽  
Toni Gladding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Legionella Pneumophila ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Size Fraction ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Flight Mass Spectrometry ◽  
High Emission ◽  
Spectral Profiles ◽  
Bioaerosol Detection

Bioaerosol emissions arising from biowaste treatment are an issue of public concern. To better characterise the bioaerosols, and to assess a range of measurement methods, we aerosolised green waste compost under controlled conditions. Viable and non-viable Andersen samplers, cyclone samplers and a real time bioaerosol detection system (Spectral Intensity Bioaerosol Sensor (SIBS)) were deployed simultaneously. The number-weighted fraction of fluorescent particles was in the range 22–26% of all particles for low and high emission scenarios. Overall fluorescence spectral profiles seen by the SIBS exhibited several peaks across the 16 wavelength bands from 298 to 735 nm. The size-fractionated endotoxin profile showed most endotoxin resided in the 2.1–9 μm aerodynamic diameter fraction, though up to 27% was found in a finer size fraction. A range of microorganisms were detected through culture, Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption and Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), including Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of bioaerosols from composting sites, as well as informing future monitoring approaches and data interpretation for bioaerosol measurement.

scholarly journals Development and validation of a multiplex qPCR assay for detection and relative quantification of HPV16 and HPV18 E6 and E7 oncogenes

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexia Bordigoni ◽  
Anne Motte ◽  
Hervé Tissot-Dupont ◽  
Philippe Colson ◽  
Christelle Desnues
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Human Papillomaviruses ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Hpv Dna ◽  
E6 And E7 ◽  
High Risk Hpv ◽  
Development And Validation

AbstractHuman papillomaviruses (HPV) play a key role in promoting human anogenital cancers. Current high-risk HPV screening or diagnosis tests involve cytological or molecular techniques mostly based on qualitative HPV DNA detection. Here, we describe the development of a rapid quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection test of HPV16 and HPV18 oncogenes (E6 and E7) normalized on human gene encoding GAPDH. Optimized qPCR parameters were defined, and analytical specificities were validated. The limit of detection was 101 for all genes tested. Assay performances were evaluated on clinical samples (n = 96). Concordance between the Xpert HPV assay and the triplex assay developed here was 93.44% for HPV16 and 73.58% for HPV18. HPV co-infections were detected in 15 samples. The systems developed in the present study can be used in complement to traditional HPV tests for specifically validating the presence of HPV16 and/or HPV18. It can also be used for the follow-up of patients with confirmed infection and at risk of developing lesions, through the quantification of E6 and E7 oncogene expression (mRNA) normalized on the GAPDH expression levels.

scholarly journals Validation of a Novel Diagnostic Approach Combining the VersaTREK™ System for Recovery and Real-Time PCR for the Identification of Mycobacterium chimaera in Water Samples

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1031
Author(s):  
Roberto Zoccola ◽  
Alessia Di Blasio ◽  
Tiziana Bossotto ◽  
Angela Pontei ◽  
Maria Angelillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Microbial Control ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Sample Volume ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Initial Water

Mycobacterium chimaera is an emerging pathogen associated with endocarditis and vasculitis following cardiac surgery. Although it can take up to 6–8 weeks to culture on selective solid media, culture-based detection remains the gold standard for diagnosis, so more rapid methods are urgently needed. For the present study, we processed environmental M. chimaera infected simulates at volumes defined in international guidelines. Each preparation underwent real-time PCR; inoculates were placed in a VersaTREK™ automated microbial detection system and onto selective Middlebrook 7H11 agar plates. The validation tests showed that real-time PCR detected DNA up to a concentration of 10 ng/µL. A comparison of the isolation tests showed that the PCR method detected DNA in a dilution of ×102 CFU/mL in the bacterial suspensions, whereas the limit of detection in the VersaTREK™ was <10 CFU/mL. Within less than 3 days, the VersaTREK™ detected an initial bacterial load of 100 CFU. The detection limit did not seem to be influenced by NaOH decontamination or the initial water sample volume; analytical sensitivity was 1.5 × 102 CFU/mL; positivity was determined in under 15 days. VersaTREK™ can expedite mycobacterial growth in a culture. When combined with PCR, it can increase the overall recovery of mycobacteria in environmental samples, making it potentially applicable for microbial control in the hospital setting and also in environments with low levels of contamination by viable mycobacteria.

scholarly journals A Compact Detection Platform Based on Gradient Guided-Mode Resonance for Colorimetric and Fluorescence Liquid Assay Detection

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2797
Author(s):  
Jing-Jhong Gao ◽  
Ching-Wei Chiu ◽  
Kuo-Hsing Wen ◽  
Cheng-Sheng Huang
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Detection System ◽  
Fluorescence Emission ◽  
Assay Sensitivity ◽  
Detection Range ◽  
Current Form ◽  
Guided Mode ◽  
Spectral Detection ◽  
Guided Mode Resonance ◽  
Colorimetric Assays

This paper presents a compact spectral detection system for common fluorescent and colorimetric assays. This system includes a gradient grating period guided-mode resonance (GGP-GMR) filter and charge-coupled device. In its current form, the GGP-GMR filter, which has a size of less than 2.5 mm, can achieve a spectral detection range of 500–700 nm. Through the direct measurement of the fluorescence emission, the proposed system was demonstrated to detect both the peak wavelength and its corresponding intensity. One fluorescent assay (albumin) and two colorimetric assays (albumin and creatinine) were performed to demonstrate the practical application of the proposed system for quantifying common liquid assays. The results of our system exhibited suitable agreement with those of a commercial spectrometer in terms of the assay sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD). With the proposed system, the fluorescent albumin, colorimetric albumin, and colorimetric creatinine assays achieved LODs of 40.99 and 398 and 25.49 mg/L, respectively. For a wide selection of biomolecules in point-of-care applications, the spectral detection range achieved by the GGP-GMR filter can be further extended and the simple and compact optical path configuration can be integrated with a lab-on-a-chip system.

Automation and validation of a MALDI-TOF MS (Mass-Fix) replacement of immunofixation electrophoresis in the clinical lab

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-163
Author(s):  
Mindy Kohlhagen ◽  
Surendra Dasari ◽  
Maria Willrich ◽  
MeLea Hetrick ◽  
Brian Netzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Maldi Tof Ms ◽  
Maldi Tof ◽  
Automated Method ◽  
Positive Specimen ◽  
Specimen Identification ◽  
Tof Ms

AbstractObjectivesA matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) method (Mass-Fix) as a replacement for gel-based immunofixation (IFE) has been recently described. To utilize Mass-Fix clinically, a validated automated method was required. Our aim was to automate the pre-analytical processing, improve positive specimen identification and ergonomics, reduce paper data storage and increase resource utilization without increasing turnaround time.MethodsSerum samples were batched and loaded onto a liquid handler along with reagents and a barcoded sample plate. The pre-analytical steps included: (1) Plating immunopurification beads. (2) Adding 10 μl of serum. (3) Bead washing. (4) Eluting the immunoglobulins (Igs), and reducing to separate the heavy and light Ig chains. The resulting plate was transferred to a second low-volume liquid handler for MALDI plate spotting. MALDI-TOF mass spectra were collected. Integrated in-house developed software was utilized for sample tracking, driving data acquisition, data analysis, history tracking, and result reporting. A total of 1,029 residual serum samples were run using the automated system and results were compared to prior electrophoretic results.ResultsThe automated Mass-Fix method was capable of meeting the validation requirements of concordance with IFE, limit of detection (LOD), sample stability and reproducibility with a low repeat rate. Automation and integrated software allowed a single user to process 320 samples in an 8 h shift. Software display facilitated identification of monoclonal proteins. Additionally, the process maintains positive specimen identification, reduces manual pipetting, allows for paper free tracking, and does not significantly impact turnaround time (TAT).ConclusionsMass-Fix is ready for implementation in a high-throughput clinical laboratory.

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