PCRil

PCRil is a compact real-time PCR instrument designed for rapid nucleic acid amplification and detection. It integrates a disposable microfluidic cartridge with pre-loaded reagents and an optical detection system, enabling closed-tube analysis and reduced contamination risk. The device is intended for point-of-care, field, and laboratory settings.

PCRil uses programmable thermal cycling with rapid heating and cooling, features fluorescence-based detection, and provides quantitative data through real-time amplification curves. The disposable cartridge contains wells, reagents, and control features; samples are loaded into the cartridge, inserted into the instrument, and the run is initiated via a touchscreen interface or connected software.

It supports a range of assays including pathogen detection, genetic testing, and environmental monitoring, with typical run times under 30–60 minutes. The system is designed to minimize user steps, with integrated onboard data analysis and quality controls, and it is compatible with standard qPCR chemistries.

Limitations include cost, dependency on specialized reagents and calibration, and the need for assay validation for each application. Some deployments require trained personnel, and results may need confirmatory testing or quality assurance in certain regulatory contexts.

See also: polymerase chain reaction, real-time PCR, microfluidics, point-of-care diagnostics.