@Cybergu, after reflecting a bit on what you were asking about...when you get spare time - I recommend checking out below AT1 product lines + dropping into each device sub-page to read about design + function differences. Just looking at the pics shows significant differences that reduce human handling to minimum (3 steps for now).
https://atomodiagnostics.com/oem-device-platforms/
Galileo gets mentioned a lot here since this is the first version + Covid19, HIV, Malaria etc test related (and thus the most commonly manufactured one for now)..but this
is actually the lowest function device (presumably lowest cost too as scale-up continues).
AT1
already has commercial product + additional prototypes with integrated "sample collection" + "buffer solution delivery" within the same device (Pascal, Losev, Newton, Franklin, Elion)....and all these versions have additional/different functions to each other:
- eg:
Franklin +
Elion have no manual step to move blood collection to delivery point
- eg:
Losev has LED readout VS
Newton +
Franklin have LCD readout (+ all 3 have integrated buffer soln delivery)
- eg:
Newton has LCD readout (+ integrated buffer solution but manual sample movement step)
- eg:
Franklin has all of the integrated functions (+ LCD readout)
- eg:
Elion seems to be non-digital version of
Franklin with a slimmer design (no sample movement, integrated buffer soln, not digital so maybe a cheaper alternative but big difference to
Galileo steps)
Pascal version for example (FebriDx, hCG, HCV) has the integrated buffer soln function (but no digital function).
One of the natural next evolution steps
might involve automatic buffer soln delivery (after sample collection point is full, 'something' triggers release)
OR
no buffer solution addition needed as its embedded on test strip
OR
its a strip that doesn't need a reagent at all (newer RNA/nanotech techniques in development)
OR
its not a lateral flow strip device at all (the next disruptor tech CEO was mentioning)
So, in near future, we might see a simpler 2 step AT1 device (prick finger, drop sample in, then device + online app does the rest) + auto-upload results to GP/central systems + allows geo mapping for particular diseases/pandemics, cloud analysis etc). The tech for all the digital side already exists (eg: Lumos has Leelu digital reader + online function options), so AT1 has to just partner OR hire the right in-house capability to mix with their device evolution.
Someday, we might even see a POCT that doesn't require any of the above at all (aka Star Trek Tricorder - medical version)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricorder
