Eurofins Diatherix Molecular Technologies
Eurofins Diatherix utilizes its proprietary technology, TEM-PCR™ (Target Enriched Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction), and other molecular technologies to deliver cutting edge diagnostic services. TEM-PCR™ is a unique, multiplex amplification platform designed to overcome the challenges that exist with conventional laboratory methods.
TEM-PCR™ Process Overview
The TEM-PCR™ panel process consists of three major steps: extraction, amplification, and detection. The extraction step separates and purifies the pathogen’s genetic material (template) from inhibitory substances. During the amplification stage, TEM-PCR™ or other multiplex PCR methods, enrich and amplify specific regions of the pathogen’s genetic material. The presence or absence of the pathogen in the sample can then be determined during the detection stage using a microarray. Typically, results are reported within 8 hours from the time of receipt of specimens at the laboratory.
The core of TEM-PCR™ consists of Eurofins Diatherix test-specific primer mixes consisting of short segments of synthetic DNA, oligonucleotides, complementary to regions in the pathogen’s genetic material. The key to TEM-PCR™ success lies in these primer mixes and how they allow the enrichment of multiple targets. The use of target-specific nested primers (shown below) at low concentrations at the initial enrichment step allows high specificity of multiplexing amplification. After initial target enrichment is complete, SuperPrimers (shown below) within the reaction carry out the exponential amplification and produce tagged PCR products for subsequent detection.
Nested target-specific primers are used during the initial target enrichment step.
A pair of SuperPrimers are then applied to amplify all targets.
Awards & Recognition
2017
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA): Winner of the 2017 Corporate Innovator of the Year Award (large company)
2010
Podiatry Today: Top 10 Innovations in Podiatric Care
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: New Method for Detecting MRSA in Trauma Patients*
2009
CDC: Effectiveness of TEM-PCR™ in H1N1 Testing
Eurofins Diatherix was awarded the Technology Innovation Award for the first commercially available H1N1-09 test performed in a CLIA laboratory
U.S. Pharmacist: Rapid Molecular Testing in Bloodstream Infections
2008
CDC: Multiplex PCR for Bacterial Respiratory Detection
2006
Wall Street Journal: Runner-up for the Medical Technology Innovation of the Year Award
Frost and Sullivan: TEM-PCR™ received the Frost and Sullivan award for Technology Innovation and Leadership of the Year Award in Molecular Diagnostics in the European Union