Technology

Simplified Molecular Diagnostics

Curetis focuses on the complete integration of all steps of a molecular diagnostic test together with all of the required reagents into a plastic disposable cartridge. This includes all sample preparation, the nucleic acid extraction and purification, nucleic acid amplification and detection steps.

Adaptation to the various sample types is accomplished by specific sample containers already preloaded with appropriate reagent mixes.

Based on novel array technology

Amplicon detection is performed with a novel medium density hybridization array in combination with a fluorescent optical readout. The novel Curetis array technology enables very efficient manufacturing of high performance arrays with dozens of different spots for a fraction of the cost compared to established microarray technologies. Furthermore, the Curetis array technology allows very fast hybridization within only a few minutes instead of hours required by standard glass-slide based arrays.

Combining Curetis proprietary array based detection with well proven endpoint multiplex PCR technology allows a high multiplexing degree together with high sensitivity and specificity that can not be achieved with other technologies (e.g. realtime PCR).

Easy reagent handling

All reagents are preloaded in the cartridge, therefore no parts of the instrument can come into direct contact with any reagents or sample fluids. This eliminates a major source of contamination. The instrument controls all fluidic and reagent processing applied to the cartridge. This generic approach thus allows to accommodate new cartridges in the future without modifications to the instrument hardware.