STMicroelectronics has released a lab-on-chip test for flu.

"Combining our In-Check platform with Veredus' bio-application capability, VereFlu is the market's first test which has integrated two molecular biological applications in a chip the size of a fingernail," said ST. "It can identify and differentiate human strains of Influenza A and B viruses, including the Avian Flu strain H5N1, in a single test."

In-Check is a disposable silicon-based micromachined integrated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reactor for amplifying DNA, customisable by spotting its sensing area with different detection chemicals. Results are read using a separate optical reader.

The firms have been testing the flu version of at the National University Hospital of Singapore.

"Unlike existing diagnostic methods, it can detect infection with high accuracy and sensitivity, within two hours providing genetic information of the infection that traditionally would take days to weeks to learn," said ST. "With its high level of automation, users outside the traditional lab environment can easily perform the tests at the point of need."

ST and Veredus have set up Bio-Application Lab in Singapore to develop further applications for In-Check. "Future application areas of interest include other infectious diseases, oncology and heart-disease markers," said ST.