Direct Multiplex Imaging
Direct ID of Bacteria Without Subculture
Novel Probes in an easy and fast procedure linked with imaging for the detection of pathogens
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a global burden affecting millions of patients each year, causing significant increases in patient morbidity and mortality. Crucial for better patient outcome but also to reduce healthcare costs is early pathogen identification for swift selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Direct Multiplex Imaging (DMI) is the combination of a novel DNA-based multiplex hybridization technology with automatic imaging. DMI enables fast, specific and reproducible identification of multiple pathogenic microorganisms directly from samples, providing evidence for timely decisions and a targeted antibiotic therapy.
Novel Probes
DMI uses molecular DNA-beacons as probes that specifically bind to complementary ribosomal target sequences (rRNA) in microorganisms. Commonly used hybridization targets are 16S and 23S rRNA, as they contain highly species-specific regions. DNA-beacons are hairpin-shaped structures that consist of a probe sequence (loop) that binds to the respective target sequence and 3’ and 5’ ends (stem) carrying a fluorophore and a quencher. With probe hybridization, the stem opens and a fluorescent signal is emitted that can be detected by fluorescence microscopy.
In an Easy and Fast Procedure
DMI assays are performed in just a few easy steps. The patient sample is applied to the detection slide, treated with the multiplex probes and hybridized. The hairpin structure permits probe hybridization in just 10 minutes. The high sensitivity of the assay makes additional amplification steps superfluous. After hybridization, no washing steps are necessary, as the detection probes fluoresce only when bound to the perfectly matching target sequence.
Linked with Automated Imaging
Slides can be read manually or automatically scanned with a Metafer managed scanning system, which captures and archives images automatically. Data review is straightforward with the clearly structured user interface and customizable reports. The total assay time including analysis, LIMS-compatible reporting, and automated archiving takes just 35 minutes, with new results in continuous mode setting being available every five minutes.
For the Detection of Pathogens
Available are DMI assays for identification and differentiation of the major bacteremia causing pathogens and for identification of the principle bacteria associated with hospital acquired pneumonia.
And More
Metafer is a highly flexible software and can be easily adapted to run other microbiological applications like digitization of Gram slides or automated tuberculosis sputum smear microscopy for detection and counting of acid-fast bacteria.
MetaSystems’ imaging solutions beyond microbiology include Clinical Cytogenetics, Cancer Genetics and Cell Biology, Forensics, Pathology and Tissue Imaging, and Toxicology and Radiation Biology.
For a list of our reference customers, please click here.
Legal Note
MetaSystems software and system products are classified as in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD) in the European Union in accordance with In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (EU) 2017/746 or In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive 98/79/EC, respectively, and carry the CE label unless otherwise indicated. Use all MetaSystems IVD products only within the scope of their intended purpose.
MetaSystems products are used in many countries worldwide. Depending on the regulations of the respective country or region, some products may not be used for clinical diagnostics.
Some hardware components supplied by other manufacturers are not included in MetaSystems IVD products and are therefore not IVD medical devices.
Please contact us for further information.