Molecular diagnostics

Nucleic acids have been utilized in research labs for years to facilitate the prediction and detection of disease. The use of molecular technology is now extending to standard diagnostic assays. Whatman provides a comprehensive range of fibrous materials and microplates for sample collection and processing, as well as membranes for detection systems.

Features and Benefits

• Superior test-to-test reproducibility and reliability.
  Ensure consistent performance within and between lots.
• No sample contamination.
  Whatman high-purity products are manufactured in controlled environments from the highest quality raw materials.
• RNA and/or DNA storage.
  Whatman FTA matrix will stabilize both RNA and DNA.

Broad Applicability Across Applications
The evolving market for molecular diagnostic products represents an excellent opportunity for companies seeking to capitalize on exciting new applications. Here is a small sampling of ways your company can adopt pioneering Whatman technology to build sales.

RNA virus detection.
FTA-treated materials will enable RNA to be collected and stabilized for up to 12 months (assuming proper storage conditions). The RNA can then be purified by a simple procedure before being released into solution, allowing the use of standard amplification and detection techniques. Now it is possible to test for viral RNA from whole blood samples utilizing a very simple protocol.

Neonatal screening.
Currently, all neonatal applications screen for inherited conditions by testing for proteins. However, testing neonate DNA has significant advantages - most notably the ability to increase the number of conditions being evaluated. The use of BFC180 (if the DNA is to be used quickly) or FTA (if the DNA is to be used subsequent to storage) will allow nucleic acid-based detection.

Cellular purification.
Sensitivity is one of the biggest problems in many assays. In essence, the presence of large amounts of human DNA (that is found in leukocytes) can significantly reduce sensitivity. Whatman produces materials that allow smaller cells or plasma to be purified. These cells can then be lysed and the DNA or RNA tested in the absence of human DNA. This technique has been shown to work with Malaria assays, whereby erythrocytes are collected before lyses. The sensitivity of the assay increases tenfold, as opposed to the use of whole blood. This same idea should work with any cell or organism that is smaller than white cells. As such, viral particles, bacteria or protozoa could be similarly isolated.