Press Release
新型コロナウイルス唾液PCR検査キット用
楽天より「不活性化唾液分注装置」を受注
PCR検査の前処理工程の自動化を実現
2021/02/02
Reception of order from Rakuten for an inactivated saliva pipetting device for a saliva-based, COVID-19 PCR test kit
Tsubakimoto Chain Co. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka, President: Yasushi Ohara) has developed an inactivated saliva pipetting device for saliva-based COVID-19 PCR testing. The first unit has been ordered by Rakuten, Inc. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Chairman and CEO: Hiroshi Mikitani, hereinafter "Rakuten").
This pipetting device, which uses a saliva sampling kit jointly developed by Rakuten and a domestic reagent manufacturer, was developed for the Saliva-Based PCR Test Kit for COVID-19 (hereinafter "PCR Test Kit") Rakuten is offering as a PCR test. It dispenses saliva (a troublesome task owing to the high viscosity and stringiness of saliva and suction difficulties associated with it) while fully automating the complicated pretreatment process of PCR tests. As well as reducing the risk of infection among inspectors, the pretreatment process can be carried out with higher quality and greater effectiveness than the manual operations performed previously.
Background
Development of the inactivated saliva pipetting device
With the aims of preventing cluster outbreaks and of suppressing the spread of the virus, Rakuten offers a PCR Test Kit that allows companies, municipalities, hospitals and other agencies, while working with the support of associated medical institutions, to carry out COVID-19 PCR testing with great efficiency, simplicity and at low cost. Applications for testing began being accepted on November 25. Through affiliations with medical institutions, the program aims at creating a seamless operation for PCR testing by organizing a safe PCR test supply system, from delivery of the test kit to safe sampling at homes and workplaces, collection of specimens by designated courier services, and until notification of test results.
Collected specimens are returned to testing organizations partnering with Rakuten (Note 1), where the specimens are inspected. In cases where infection is confirmed, the system allows patients to receive aftercare from affiliated medical institutions. Development of an inactivating solution that inactivates the COVID-19 virus allows specimens to be collected at homes, workplaces and other sites. It is expected that this will be used widely to prevent the spread of the virus while reducing the risk of secondary infection in collecting and transporting specimens.
Meanwhile, at inspecting agencies, in terms of reducing infection risks for inspectors, reducing human errors, and expanding the number of tests processed per day, automation of the pretreatment process of PCR tests has been an issue (see illustration below). We developed the inactivated saliva pipetting device to fully automate the pretreatment process of PCR tests for specimens.
PCR testing flowchart (Those processes undertaken by Tsubakimoto Chain are denoted in yellow)
Automated flow (safe, speedy, thoroughgoing information management) of the inactivated saliva pipetting device
In place of troublesome manual operations (including dispensing) that previously needed to be carried out by inspectors, the inactivated saliva pipetting device fully automates the pretreatment process of PCR tests. Following the pretreatment process of PCR tests of specimens, the presence or absence of infection is determined by the PCR Inspection Device in the process described below.
Features
Features of the inactivated saliva pipetting device
Error-free ID management of specimens and improved treatment ability
Scanning of specimen IDs by bar codes or two-dimensional codes at time of reception allows linkage of each specimen container and the PCR plate location, ensuring reliable ID management. Applying technology cultivated in the field of life sciences enables pretreatment of 205 specimens per hour, beginning with ID scanning, continuing with removal of caps, and through to dispensing, all by means of an efficient automated flow.
Speedily suctions and dispenses high-viscosity saliva
The high viscosity and stringiness of inactivated saliva used to make manual operations an ordeal. By means of our proprietary technology, suctioning and dispensing is carried out speedily by a series of 4 nozzles. Further, installation of a drip-prevention shutter prevents contamination during dispensing.
Automation of the opening and closing of the specimen container of the PCR Test Kit
Simultaneously opens 4 specimen containers with plugs in dissimilar states of closure. Also, after suctioning a sufficient amount of the specimen for the PCR test, it plugs the container with the same cap.
The reagent protocol enables changes to the dispensing menu
According to the specifications of the reagent, it is possible to easily change the agitation timing, the amount dispensed and other items on the dispensing menu.
Release date
February 2021
Future Plans
We are currently developing automated devices capable of comprehensive responses to specimens that have not been inactivated, specimens of different types such as nasopharyngeal swab fluids and saliva, and to specimen containers of differing standards. We are contributing to reduction of infection risk to inspectors and expansion of the testing system by making use of DNA safekeeping and other technologies cultivated in the life sciences field, working to an early end of COVID-19.
Note 1: Intended only for testing organizations registered with prefectural governors as hygiene inspection stations.
