Breaking the cold chain in biological threat detection
12th October 2023
The TCOR-8™ PCR Thermocycler allows rapid confirmatory analysis of biothreats in less than an hour
Traditional PCR reagents require temperature-controlled environments for transport, storage, and use, creating a logistical cold chain of transport and storage from the field to the laboratory. However, the TCOR-8™ PCR Thermocycler and its associated freeze-dried reagents break this cold chain by allowing the rapid confirmatory analysis of biothreats in less than an hour in-situ.
Southern Scientific has been awarded a supply and support contract from the armed forces of a European country for TCOR-8™ Thermocyclers and associated consumables, including training consumables, to safeguard against biological warfare pathogens and agents. Biological threat targets can be detected and confirmed with Tetracore’s portable PCR thermocycler. Weighing less than 4.5kg and with a thermocycling battery life of four hours, the TCOR-8™ is a reliable, portable field instrument that allows emergency services and CBRN troops to respond quickly to various target hazards .
Dedicated consumables for the detection of specific biological agents
Tetracore manufactures an all-in-one sampling system called the C2T Sample Preparation Swab, which houses a removable swab, a buffer solution in an ampoule, and a re-sealable pipette that allows the user to easily dispense the liquid sample whilst also being able to dispose of the potentially contaminated sample in a controlled manner.
The C2T can be used with Tetracore’s dedicated Multiplex assay cartridges that contain an internal control and dried-down reagents to detect specific biological agents, including:
- Bacillus anthracis (pX01 & pX02)
- Vaccinia
- Burkholderia
- Staphylococcus Enterotoxin B (SEB)
- Botulinum Toxin A & B
- Francisella Tularensis
- Yersinia pestis
- Brucella
- Ricin
- Abrin
Find out more
You can learn more about Tetracore’s TCOR-8 PCR Thermocycler by clicking the button below to request a guided demonstration with a product specialist.