In recent years, the question has arisen of how to quickly, inexpensively, and accurately test for such deadly emerging infectious diseases as SARS and H1N1 influenza at an early stage. The "Micro Electrochemical Multiplex Real Time PCR System," which was developed at the Instrument Technology Research Center (ITRC) , National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) and awarded a gold medal at the Invention Show, employs the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to rapidly amplify the nucleic acids of the target pathogens (such as bacteria or viruses), and also uses electrochemical testing technology to measure the concentration of the amplified nucleic acids in real-time, which allows a quick determination of whether the test subject has been infected by the target bacteria or virus.

(Caption) The "Micro Electrochemical Multiplex Real Time PCR System," which was developed by a team at the Industrial Technology Research Institute, National Applied Research Laboratories, can be applied to rapid testing for infectious diseases, cancer gene screening, and testing for microbes in foods, cosmetics, and the living environment.

The new method is easily as sensitive and fast as traditional fluorescence testing and electrochemical testing techniques, but costs only one-fourth or one-fifth as much. The new method can be applied to rapid testing for infectious diseases, cancer gene screening, and testing for microbes in foods, cosmetics, and the living environment. The global market for real-time quantitative PCR testing has grown rapidly during the last few years, and the development of this new technology will help Taiwanese firms to make inroads in international testing markets.