Home

Detection

Routine culture and biochemical assays are part of the traditional workup of a patient sample. However, it may take up to 48 hours to obtain a definitive result, which with a septicemic patient care, may be too long. An alternative to the traditional culture assays is the use of PCR assays, which can provide results in 1 to 2 hours. Probes and primers have been designed to identify the protective antigen gene sequence on pXO1 and capsule protein gene sequence on pXO2. These assays are able to distinguish the virulent strain (containing pXO1 and pXO2) from the avirulent strains (containing one of the two plasmids) (6). This soldier is carrying the R.A.P.I.D. PCR device on his back. This device is capable of testing up to 32 samples. The backpack weighs 50 pounds and includes the thermal cycler, computer, lyophilized reagents and other accessories. Does require 120 V source.