This represents a significant milestone in the adoption of its RPA technology – in a relatively short period of time compared to other techniques. Entitled A recombinase polymerase amplification assays for rapid detection of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus infection (Bonney et al 2017. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 11(10): e0006013), the paper describes the use of TwistDx’s technology to develop a rapid and easy-to-use molecular diagnostic test that can be performed using a lightweight, portable detection device.
RPA is an isothermal DNA/RNA amplification technology that eliminates the need for thermal cycling, offering considerable time savings compared to PCR, without compromising specificity. Amplification typically takes between three and 10 minutes, at low incubation temperatures, making the technology ideal for real-time detectors and fully automated point-of-care devices designed for use outside the laboratory. Dr Niall Armes, CEO of TwistDx, commented: “The ever-growing number of peer-reviewed publications using our technology demonstrates the benefits of RPA as a genuine alternative to traditional PCR techniques. We are delighted to see this technology being applied to important medical advances, and see this as a great leap forward with enormous potential for many other applications in the future.”
To learn more about RPA technology and the TwistDx range, visit www.twistdx.co.uk