The technology foundation of the Liat™ system is IQuum's proprietary lab-in-a-tube platform. The Liat Tube uses a flexible tube as a sample vessel and contains all assay reagents pre-packed in tube segments separated by peelable seals. Multiple sample processing actuators in the Liat Analyzer compress the Liat Tube to selectively release reagents from tube segments, move the sample from one segment to another, and control reaction conditions. For example, magnetic beads can be incubated with a sample for target enrichment, and then captured and washed to remove possible inhibitors; subsequently, nucleic acids can be eluted from the beads and transferred alternately between tube segments at different temperatures for rapid PCR amplification and real-time detection.

Rapid Testing. This technology uniquely uses liquid flow and mixing to enhance reaction rates and allows for relatively large reaction volumes. For example, a 50µl rapid PCR can be accomplished in as little as 7 minutes for 30 cycles. A genetic test from whole blood takes less than 20 minutes from sample to results and a test for an infectious agent in plasma takes approximately 30 minutes.

Insert-and-Test Automation. The Liat system automates all testing processes from sample preparation to amplification to real-time detection. By reducing complex nucleic acid testing to 3 simple steps, the lab-in-a-tube technology enables non-specialized personnel to conduct sophisticated testing.

Quality of Results. Liat assays incorporate the same assay chemistry as lab-based nucleic acid tests, with full automated nucleic acid extraction processes to enhance sensitivity and prevent potential interferents from affecting assay results. Additionally, the system incorporates automated sample metering, integrated internal controls, and advanced error diagnostics to ensure the quality of results when testing is performed by minimally trained operators.

Truly Closed Tube System. Once a raw biological sample has been introduced and the Liat Tube is capped, the tube remains closed for all test processes - no sample, reagent, or reaction mixture needs to be added or removed from the tube. The closed system approach not only avoids cross-contamination and reduces biohazard risks, but also helps preserve sample integrity. Along with the insert-and-test format, this closed tube design allows nucleic acid tests to be conducted in any setting, from the clinical laboratory to the field.

Assay Versatility. The Liat system can accommodate a variety of assay formats and sample matrices, and many established assays can be easily adapted to the lab-in-a-tube platform.