Diagnostics, at Your Side: AgPlus Diagnostics Unveils the First Working Prototype of Their Unique New Handheld System for Rapid, on-the-Spot Diagnostic Results

05 March 2013 -- AgPlus Diagnostics is pleased to announce that the first functional prototype of the handheld AgPlus Diagnostics analytical platform is now fully operational and available for demonstration. Delivering laboratory-grade, quantifiable results within just 10 minutes of sample application the portable AgPlus technology system has enormous potential in a wide variety of applications where a rapid, accurate and sensitive result is important for fast and reliable decision making.

The AgPlus Diagnostics platform utilises electrochemical immunoassay technology in a patented microfluidic chip format. The unique signalling and measurement system, based on the detection of amplified silver ions by anodic stripping voltammetry, allows extremely sensitive, accurate and quantifiable results to be obtained from a very small sample volume (50µl) within minutes. The system does not rely on an optical based detection method, so no sample preparation is required, making it ideal for multiple sample types and for testing in a range of settings.

The first fully functional AgPlus technology prototype will demonstrate an assay for human Troponin I, a cardiac marker used in clinical settings. The AgPlus Troponin I assay is currently showing a dynamic range of .1ng/ml – 50ng/ml with CVs <20% in a non-optimised format with assay run times of 10 minutes.

In addition, AgPlus tests for cortisol and testosterone are currently in development, which will be of value in sports science applications for developing more tailored training plans for athletes and to help reduce chances of Over Training Syndrome.

The technology has been developed so that it can be applied to new and established chemistries and the platform software is easily integrated into existing information management systems. AgPlus Diagnostics foresee further potential for this technology in human (clinical and non-clinical) and veterinary diagnostics, as well as in environmental and military applications.

“The first working AgPlus technology system prototype is an important milestone for AgPlus Diagnostics, demonstrating the successful coming together of this novel diagnostic assay and its unique analytical platform to achieve a fully functional, portable system that can deliver accuracy and sensitivity that’s on a par with laboratory analysers,” comments Chief Executive Officer, Keith Page.

AgPlus Diagnostics is seeking to develop partnerships and licensing agreements with collaborators in a variety of applications and business sectors.

For further information or to discuss potential development or product licensing opportunities for human health applications, contact Courtney Nicholson on +44 (0)7730 099901, and for animal health applications, contact Keith Page on +44 (0)1234 867100. Alternatively, visit the AgPlus Diagnostics website at www.agplusdiagnostics.com.

About AgPlus Diagnostics

AgPlus Diagnostics (formerly Argento Diagnostics) was formed in 2011 to develop and market the patented AgPlus microfluidic chip and reader technology for use in multiple market sectors. The technology and underlying science were developed through a three-year, National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Strategic Research Fellowship. Via a portable handheld device (with WiFi and Bluetooth technology for storage and communication of results), AgPlus technology offers fully quantitative laboratory-equivalent analysis of multiple analytes from a single sample. AgPlus technology is making rapid, accurate, cost effective diagnostic testing – without the need for laboratory facilities – a reality in the areas of human health when used by professionals in hospitals, clinics, GP surgeries, pharmacies, as well as by patients in at-home testing/monitoring, for remote location testing (for example in areas of military conflict or expedition) and athlete testing. Additional market application areas include animal health and environmental testing. For more information visit: www.agplusdiagnostics.com or contact Courtney Nicholson, Business Development, AGPlus Diagnostics on +44 (0)7730 099901.

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