Portable genetic detection and analysis system and method

Abstract

A portable detector is disclosed for detecting certain analytes of interest, such as genetic material (e.g., nucleic acids). The detector includes a reading component for the detection of the analytes, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the reading component. Processing circuitry may be included to perform both primary analysis of acquired data, and where desired, secondary analysis. Where desired, some or all of the computationally intensive tasks may be off-loaded to enhance the portability and speed of the device. The device may incorporate various types of interface, technologies for reading and analysis, positioning system interfaces, and so forth. A number of exemplary use cases and methods are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 622,773, entitled “PORTABLE GENETIC DETECTION AND ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD” and filed Apr. 11, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]The present disclosure relates generally to a field of genetic analysis, such as for diagnostic sequencing and other purposes. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a portable analysis system that may be carried or transported to desired locations to facilitate sample collection, sample analysis, and further processing.[0003]Genetic sequencing has become an increasingly important area of genetic research, promising future uses in diagnostic and other applications. In general, genetic sequencing involves determining the order of nucleotides for a nucleic acid such as a fragment of RNA or DNA. Relatively short sequences are typically analyzed, and the resulting se...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent presents new techniques for genetic analysis that can be performed using a portable device. The device can receive samples, detect nucleic acids, and process the data only partially or transfer it to other systems for further processing. The device can be designed in different ways, such as being fully equipped or tethered or communicating wirelessly with other devices. The usage scenarios are also envisaged to match the portable nature of the device. Overall, this patent provides new tools for genetic analysis that can be easily carried and used in different scenarios.

Problems solved by technology

However, existing techniques are highly time-intensive, and resulting genomic information is accordingly extremely costly to obtain.

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