At-Home PCR Testing For SARS-CoV-2

At-Home PCR Testing For SARS-CoV-2

Abstract
PCR is considered a laboratory method, requiring sophisticated instrumentation and trained personnel. Cost reduction and simplification that would allow at-home use for infectious disease diagnosis was not considered possible or desirable until a few years ago. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed our perspective and need for local diagnoses. Antigen tests are now commonplace and molecular LAMP assays have appeared for point-of-care use.
The Co-Dx PCR home testing platform simplifies real-time PCR and melting analysis for infectious disease diagnosis so that at-home testing becomes feasible. Samples are processed by a modified SalivaDirect procedure, mixed with freeze dried PCR reagents, reversed transcribed, thermal cycled, and melted, all in about 30 min without user intervention. Multiplexing is enabled with single color excitation by a combination of probe emission color and melting temperature. The instrument is reusable with single use cartridges. Results are processed in the cloud and both instruments and cartridges are inexpensive enough to enable home use.