Automation of Reverse Transcription of Avian Influenza Viral RNA and Detection of H5N1 with VERSA Mini PCR Setup Workstation

The importance of rapid avian influenza detection worldwide can not be understated. Recent advances in PCR and RT-PCR have accelerated the screening procedure, but sample preparation has lagged behind. Aurora Biomed addressed this problem by validating the VERSA Mini PCR Setup Workstation for the sample preparation steps involved in viral RNA detction from influenza A/H5N1 using a commercially available kit. The detection of amplified products of the proper size for the avian flu genes suggest that the VERSA workstation can be successfully used to automate sample preparation for the detection of a/H5N1 genes.

The VERSA MIni PCR Workstation, when housed in an appropriate bio-safety cabinet can be utilized to handle BSL-2 and BSL-3 agents reducing the risk of iatrogenic infections in laboratory workers.