Integrated lab-on-a-chip influenza diagnostic designed for low cost manufacturing

In this paper we describe a completely integrated lab-on-a-chip for genetic analysis of bacteria or viruses. The chip was designed for low cost manufacturing in thermoplastics by choice of low cost materials (thermoplastics) and designing for injection molding and for minimal assembly. To reduce the complexity of the disposable chip, all active components were removed from the microfluidic chip and incorporated into an instrument. We present the integrated chip and associated instrument for detection of bacteria and viruses. In particular, here we demonstrate the on-chip RT-PCR and detection using the CDC proprietary assay for influenza A.