Science of the Steps

Collect - Retrieve - Increase - Detect 

Collect

We collect a sample of the virus from your spit or through a swab on the back of your throat.

(1) Swab your mouth or the back of your throat.

(2) Break off the swab into the tube. The tube already contains lyophilized UDG on the bottom.
Retrieve
We use a liquid solution to retrieve the genetic material (RNA) inside the virus.

(3) Pick up lid A, containing the PBS + MgOAc mix. Close lid A to rupture the seal and introduce liquid into the tube. Invert a few times and let sit for 5 minutes.

(4) Heat the tube in boiling water for 3 minutes and then let sit in room temperature water for 1 minute.

Increase

To detect the virus in the sample, we need to easily increase the amount of genetic material of the virus. We convert viral RNA (genetic material) into DNA (genetic material), because DNA is easier to copy. Now we can easily increase the amount of viral genetic material and detect even a small amount of virus in your body.

(5) Swap lid A with lid B, containing lyophilized RPA mix.Close lid B to rupture the seal and introduce liquid into the tube.  Invert a few times.

(6) Put the tube in your back pocket for 20 minutes.

Detect

Finally, we dip a test strip into the liquid solution. As viral DNA interacts with the strip it binds to a section on the test strip called the ‘detection zone’. If viral DNA is present in the liquid solution, a band will appear on the ‘detection zone’ of the test strip.
(7) Add the tube to the readout device that handles dilution and contains a lateral flow strip. The height of the needle controls the volume of liquid released.

 

What is RNA and DNA?

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is the novel coronavirus’s genetic material - think instruction manual for building the virus. In order for the virus to multiple and spread, it needs to make a copy of its instruction manual (genetic material). 

 

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is genetic material similar to RNA, but it can be easily copied. In our test we convert RNA to DNA so we can easily increase the amount of viral genetic material, and detect even a small amount of virus in your body.