ARS | Publication request: Handheld Nucleic Acid Analyzer

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Diagnostic Genomics and Proteomics
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: December 24, 2003
Publication Date: December 1, 2004
Citation: Higgins, J.A. 2004. Handheld nucleic acid analyzer. Encyclopedia of Diagnostic Genomics and Proteomics. pp. 560-564.

Technical Abstract: The widespread use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for molecular-biology based detection of pathogens has revolutionized clinical diagnostics. However, the thermal cycler instruments responsible for performing PCR assays remain heavy and unsuitable for use in the field or for point-of-care diagnosis. Consequently, a number of US government-sponsored projects have sought to reduce the size of PCR instrumentation to a handheld format. One of the prototype instruments derived from this program is the handheld advanced nucleic acid analyzer (HANAA), which is now commercially available as the "BioSeeq" device from Smiths Detection (Edgewood, Maryland). Another promising handheld PCR instrument is the "Razor" fabricated by Idaho Technology, Inc (Salt Lake City, Utah) which is designed for rapid detection of threat agents. A newer platform, the Verigene, is designed by Nanosphere (Northbrook, Illinois) and is commercially available for point-of-care diagnostics. Projects are ongoing in a number of private companies for the further development and commercial release of handheld nucleic acid analyzers, that promise to significantly advance diagnosis and detection of pathogens.