Cepheid Genexpert System Analyzer RT PCR

The Cepheid GeneXpert System is a leading PCR testing machine that has set new standards in the industry. It comes with heightened testing accuracy, the flexibility of workflows, and an interface that’s easy to operate.

With all these features, you’d expect a big and ungainly device. But the Cepheid GeneXpert comes in a compact machine that’s portable and space-efficient.

Cepheid Genexpert System for SARs COVID – 19 Tests

COVID – 19 pandemics took a toll on the world for more than a year now. The novel coronavirus affects a person’s respiratory system and has spread to all parts of the world now. Millions of people have already been affected by this virus. While some people survived the deadly pandemic, most others succumbed to it. Several countries implemented their ways of curbing the virus and saving its people. 

Dr Walker said Central West Health had trained and qualified pathology laboratory staff at Longreach Hospital able to run the GeneXpert system safely and efficiently.

“The process starts with a swab sample being taken from the back of the nose and throat of a patient,’’ he said.

“Inside a Biological Safety Cabinet, the scientist suspends the swab sample into a liquid medium. The liquid is then loaded into a single-use-only SARS-CoV-2 testing cartridge.

“The reagents are specially programmed to amplify the target RNA. In this case, it amplifies the SARS-CoV-2 RNA specifically – if there is any in the sample.

“If there is SARS-CoV-2 RNA present, the sample grows brighter, which is detected by a colour detector. This is a positive sample. If there is no colour change, it is a negative sample.

Dr. Walker said the PCR test is the gold standard and extremely accurate.

As well as COVID-19 tests, the GeneXpert system can be loaded with cartridges that can test for Influenza A, Influenza B, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is a common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in children.

Experts claim that its testing methods are crucial to curing the disease. If the condition is diagnosed in the early stages, it would be easy to provide the right treatment. Keeping that in mind, Cepheid introduced its Genexpert systems for accurate testing. The best part is, these systems received emergency approval for SARs COVID – 19 testing. Here is a peek into different Cepheid Genexpert systems. 

Types of Genexpert Machines: 

As mentioned above, Cepheid Genexpert machines are manufactured by the Cepheid Laboratories. There are different variations of these machines. These are available in 2-, 4-, and 16-module configurations. The following are the specifications of some Genexpert machines. 

1. GX-II Processing Unit: 

Size – 16.13 x 30.48 x 29.72 cm. 

Variants – desktop computer (GXII-2-D) and laptop computer (GXII-2-L) 

2. GX-IV Processing Unit: 

Size – 27.94 x 30.48 x 29.72 cm. 

Variants – desktop computer (GXIV-4-D) and laptop computer (GXIV-4-L) 

3. GX-XVI Processing Unit: 

Size – 57.79 x 65.53 x 33.66 cm. 

Variants – desktop computer (GXXVI-16-D) and laptop computer (GXXVI-16-L) 

About Genexpert Machines: 

The Cepheid Genexpert machines are used for rapid testing of the SARs COVID – 19 detections. These machines can provide rapid detection of the SARS CoV-2 in less than 25 minutes for positive results. The results of all four pathogens are provided in just 36 minutes, with less than a minute of hands-on time. 

Cepheid company developed these automated molecular test machines to detect the virus causing COVID – 19 disease. The tests performed by these machines leverages the design principles of the latest cartridge technology designed by Cepheid. Using these Genexpert machines, practitioners can detect the presence of the deadly virus within 30 minutes. 

As per experts, rapid detection is an excellent aid in emergencies and helped save numerous lives. The accurate and phenomenal performance of all the Genexpert machines is acclaimed by critics and experts, as the rapid results helped provide an accurate diagnosis of the disease.

How accurate is GeneXpert? 

Diagnostic efficacy of GeneXpert was assessed in 85 MTB culture-positive cases with the overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV at 95% confidence interval of 98.6% (92.3–99.8), 100% (78–100), 100% (94.7–100) and 93.8% (69.7–98.9) respectively.

We found that the sensitivity of the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay was 100% (20 of 20), and the specificity was 80%

Cepheid has developed an automated molecular test for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The test leverages the design principles of our current Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV cartridge technology, in which multiple regions of the viral genome are targeted.

The best part about these machines is the sample preparation time. It hardly takes less than a minute to prepare the samples for the test. These machines come programmed with the GeneXpert diagnostic software for accurate diagnosis.

The software is highly advanced and future-ready in most aspects. Some performance metrics of these systems include: 

• Error codes 
• Software versions 
• Failed/disabled modules 
• Instrument location, etc. 

The machines also provide the following benefits of using them: 

• Suggest disease control, prevention, and resource allocation strategies. 
• Identify, monitor, and guide risky areas and populations. 
• Use epidemiological trends to mark the disease progressions. 

These are all a part of the machine’s integrated disease surveillance solutions from Cepheid. 

You can choose between 2, 4, or 16 modules based on the configuration you prefer. 

Cepheid Genexpert System Benefits

Fast Results

The GeneXpert System is among the fastest molecular results available today.  It performs sample preparation, tests, and results in analyses all under an hour. If you’ve used systems like the EIA or Immunoassay, you’ll experience an upgrade in speed and deliverability with the GeneXpert System. 

If you consider all the capabilities and the speed of delivery, the GeneXpert System is surely among the top on-demand testing devices today. 

Compact Design

Thanks to the convenient size and design, you can take the GeneXpert System anywhere you need. It’s so portable and easy to carry that the World Health Organization has endorsed the device as an efficient on-field machine. 

The minimum footprint of the device also makes it a space-saving addition to any laboratory. So, you can substitute multiple individual testing machines with this single, versatile, and compact device. 

Superior Performance

One of the best features of the GeneXpert System is that it combines a whole range of features to deliver exceptional performance. You get an integrated device that automatically extracts samples and performs both detection and amplification in a single go. So, all you do is load in the patient’s sample, and the GeneXpert System takes care of the rest! 

Ease-of-Use

The GeneXpert System is easily one of the most user-friendly analyzers available in the market. Operating the device is second nature to anyone, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned healthcare technician or an intern on your first day.  

This ease-of-use does not sacrifice its efficiency or accuracy. You still get a fully reliable set of results in real-time. 

Patented Cartridge

Cepheid uses a cutting-edge cartridge design that was developed in-house and is a trademark feature of their products. This single-use cartridge is a self-contained model that hosts everything from sample extraction to result in amplification. It’s like having a whole laboratory within a cartridge. 

Multiple Configurations

You can get the GeneXpert System in three different configurations depending on your requirements. It comes in two-module, three-module, and 16-module configurations. Each configuration comes with its fully-patented trademark cartridge. So, you get a scalable solution to molecular testing that’s reliable and appropriate for a range of testing scenarios. 

If portability and compact size are priorities for you, the GX-II (two-module configuration) will be your best bet. But if testing range and capacity are bigger requirements, the GX-XVI (16-module configuration) will be more suitable. 

Specifications

Dimensions

• The GX-II (two modules) comes with a width of 16.3cm, a height of 30.8cm, and a depth of 29.72cm.
• If you go for the 16-modules configuration, the device is slightly larger. The GX-XVI is 57.79cm wide, 65.53cm tall, and 33.66cm deep. 

Cartridges

• The GeneXpert System uses disposable cartridges meant for single use. Each cartridge comes with polypropylene construction which makes it sturdy and robust. 

Temperature

• The heating ramp rate for this device is 10° per second between a range of 50°C to 95°C.
• The maximum cooling ramp rate runs at 2.5°C per second between 90°C to 50°C.
• The programmable ramp rate for melt curves is between 0.01°C per second and 1.0°C per second. 

Power requirements

• The GeneXpert System comes with a rated voltage of 100V to 240V (50 to 60hz).
• Based on the number of modules (4, 6, or 16), the rated current can range from 1.5A to 8.24A. 

Include:

• 10-color, GeneXpert®, Module Kit
• GeneXpert® Dx 6.2 Software
• WIN 10 Laptop
• Cepheid GeneXpert Xpert Xpress SARS – CoV (One Box Set consisting of 10 Cartridges.)
• GeneXpert IV analyzer: warranty 2 years

Startup kit, including:

• 2x Filters
• 1x PCR slot cleaning brush
• 2x Tools
• 1x Dust cover
• 1x Training program
• 1x Instructional DVD
• 1x Quick reference guide
• 1x Startup guide
• 1x Connecting cables
• 1x Instructions for use in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Russian, and Mandarin

Reference Link

• Manufacturer Information
• Brochure