Biosurveillance Applications

 

InnovaPrep technologies were first developed for bio surveillance applications.  Our stand-alone field and laboratory equipment apply to air sampling and liquid sample concentration offering the best solutions available for trace detection of threat organisms using rapid molecular methods. InnovaPrep technologies are portable, scalable, and integratable. In addition, we have a long and successful history working with partners to integrate our sample collection and concentration technologies in defense and bio-surveillance systems.

Highly suited for:

  • Military Applications
  • Outbreak Investigations
  • Government Laboratories
  • Mobile Laboratories
  • Public Health

Download our Environmental Testing Brochure HERE

Biomonitoring for SARS-CoV-2 and Other Disease Threats in Air, Surfaces, and Liquids

Outbreak Monitoring

SARS-CoV-2 (as well as influenza and SARS-CoV-1) transmission is primarily through droplet and contaminated surface contact. However, there is also significant direct and indirect evidence that aerosol and surface transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens are likely means of transmission(see references 1-9). In the current reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, the following situations may be operating blindly when it comes to surface, fomite, and aerosol contamination.

  • Hospitals and clinics
  • Close-quarter living facilities such as; Military barracks, Cruise ships or other vessels, Senior living centers, Prisons, Schools
  •  Public transportation, event spaces, and industry

Programs like the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been enacted to prevent and control the introduction, transmission, and spread of illnesses on cruise ships through such steps as monitoring and investigation. The food industry has adopted Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) as a-systematic preventive approach to hazards such as bacterial and viral pathogens in a manner to avoid the hazards before they become a reality.  Similar approaches should be implemented more widely to prevent and mitigate outbreaks..

However, traditional methods for aerosol and surface monitoring for bacteria and viruses are negatively affected by limited collection volumes, poor sample recovery, and complex and difficult to perform recovery processes. InnovaPrep products provide simple and straightforward methods for collection and detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens at previously undetectable levels.

Proactive monitoring provides an increased understanding of:

  1. Current state of contamination in the facility
  2. Effectiveness, limits or gaps of environmental controls such as change air techniques
  3. Effectiveness, limits or gaps of cleaning and disinfection procedures
  4. Infection risk associated with staffing locations, functions, and available PPE
  5. Determining when to implement social distancing or other measures

Biomonitoring Tools for Air, Surfaces, and Liquids - rapid, easy, portable & battery operable

The InnovaPrep ADC-200 Bobcat™ is a small lightweight and portable dry filter air sampler with a built-in tripod that actively collects viruses, bacteria and fungal spores from 100 LPM to 200 LPM. Sample recovery from the filter takes just seconds and results in a concentrated liquid sample of 6 mL that is ready for analysis using PCR or other molecular methods.  

  • Liquid Concentration

The InnovaPrep Concentrating Pipette (CP) Select™, uses dead-end filtration on high-flow single-use pipette tips to capture target particles. The CP Select uses an automated recovery process, termed, Wet Foam Elution™ to enable efficient extraction of the particles from the filter membrane in seconds and can administer very precise and controlled amounts of foam that produce filter elution volumes as low as 200 micro liters. The process maximizes concentration of the target thereby exponentially improving the limit of detection for trace pathogens.

InnovaPrep technologies have been used to concentrate microorganisms including viruses suspended in liquid with the CP Select for several years from a variety of environmental sources such as marine recreational and aquaculture waters,surface waters, storm run-off, cave and spring waters, irrigation waters, as well as wastewater influent and effluent.The Concentrating Pipette pairs with perfectly with most molecular methods.

Researchers have already begun to use wastewater as a means detect the emergence or spread of COVID-19 outbreaks and it could prove to be a significant epidemiological method to help Public Health officials mobilize resources and help determine the degree and duration of intervention needed in a community by community real-time approach.  The Concentrating Pipette is capable of bridging the gap between relevant sample volumes and the volumetric capacity of rapid molecular methods is needed in order to adequately monitor SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. 

  • Surface Sampling
SWABS: Our collection kit is one of the best adapted kits to detect the coronavirus meeting the recommendations for COVID-19 specimen collection & handling: the virus inactivation due to the effect of the transport solution on the virus envelop and the preservation of the viral RNA due to the non effect on the viral capsid and a stable pH ensure ideal protection of nucleic acids. The stored samples can be used in subsequent molecular experiments such as DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR testing or sequencing.