Stabilisation of biological assays and molecular diagnostics

We see increasing use of ambient temperature stabilisation of biological assays in two main areas. 

Firstly, within point –of-care, field-based or near use assays following the shift we have seen  from the centralised laboratory model to a field-based use model by molecular diagnostics assay providers. There are two logistical headaches that need to be overcome when developing a near application use assay. The first is maintenance of the cold-chain and the requirement to eliminate refrigerated storage and the second is the requirement for a simplified work flow.

The second main area where stabilisation is used is within a laboratory setting; we are seeing the increased use of automated work flows, “de-skilling” of the laboratory and increased use of high-throughput assays. Therefore, the ability to store online, on platforms outside of refrigerated storage and with simplified liquid handling requirements is an area of increasing importance where the stabilised and simplified assay are also being used. 

As a general trend, we see that there is an increased demand for both reagent and sample stabilisation technologies driven by companies striving to increase the access to molecular diagnostic tests while in parallel lowering the costs of their assays.

This commentary has been taken from "Stabilisation of biological assays: conventional vs new technology" - An interview with Miles Burrows, Biomarkers in Medicine (Future Science Group).  The remainder of the interview can be read here.