Corona rapid test by Hahn-Schickard and Spindiag
For the small-batch production of test cartridges, technology from Harro Höfliger is used.
05.05.2020
Production line for test cartridges in the clean room of the Hahn-Schickard Institute.
The Spindiag platform consists of an analyzer with an integrated test cartridge (Image: Spindiag GmbH).
The Hahn-Schickard Institute for Microanalytical Systems and Spindiag GmbH are working at full speed to adapt their on-site test system to the diagnostic requirements of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The rapid test is designed for the direct use in medical practices, hospitals, special-care homes, and similar. For testing, only a swab test from the mucous tissue in throat or nose is required. It is inserted into a disposable test cartridge, which is then processed fully-automatic in a mobile analytic device, providing a test result of high reliability within 30 to 40 minutes.This test is expected to become ready for serial production in late summer.
The method is based on a test platform for the detection of multi-resistant bacteria, developed in a collaboration of Hahn-Schickard and Spindiag, a start-up company founded in 2016. For many years, their scientists have been researching so-called Point-of-Care (PoC) rapid tests in close cooperation with the University of Freiburg. The disc-shaped test cartridges, for trial samples and for small-batch production, are manufactured on two machines made by Harro Höfliger.
The experts at Harro Höfliger designed the production systems with maximum flexibility in mind. By extending the system with a second dispensing head, further test cartridges for other pathogens like mutated corona or influenza viruses can be analysed. The Hahn-Schickard/Spindiag system stands out due to the cost-efficient construction of the test cartridges as well as the easy handling of the analytical device.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Employment and Housing in Baden-Wuerttemberg is funding the development of the PCR-based test system, to push the supply and thus help overcome the current shortage in diagnostic tests. Minister Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut paid a visit to Freiburg to learn about the progress of development, and to have a look at the cartridge production line. To ensure a rapid market readiness of the tests, the component parts are manufactured in Hahn-Schickard’s cleanrooms, in multi-shift operation.
More information about this centrifugal microfluidic technology platform can be found on https://www.hoefliger.com/en/applications/small-disks-big-in-diagnostics