The Firefly Dx real-time PCR pathogen detection system is designed to provide real-time results in a handheld device, cutting out existing systems, which require lab-based equipment and can take hours or days to provide results.
It is a two-part device consisting of a portable handheld instrument with wireless communication and disposable single-use cartridges containing the necessary analytical elements.
Firefly Dx combines sample lysis, purification, real-time PCR analysis, and the identification for nucleic acids of interest.
William J. Caragol, chairman and CEO of PositiveID, said it is developing Firefly Dx to solve the need for rapid, portable, pathogen detection using real-time PCR within multiple markets including food safety.
"We are very pleased with our progress to date on the development of Firefly Dx and are continuing our testing on the PCR chip to detect additional pathogens in less than 20 minutes."
The company has four patents and patents pending for Firefly Dx and the total number of patents and patents pending to 18.