ABSTRACT
Massive PCR testing during the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult due to the insufficiency of instruments and reagents. We developed a portable thermocycler for RT-qPCR that combines thermal control and fluorescence detection into a highly integrated hybrid module. Our thermocycler, named HybOT Cycler, is Bluetooth-controlled from an Android tablet. We also developed a bubble-free microfluidic device to run the PCR assays. The acrylic mold for the replication of the microfluidic device and the instrument were fabricated with 3D printed parts or micromilling. Concentrations as low as 1000 copies/µL of the SARS-CoV-2 N1 gene were detected, similar to a benchtop thermocycler. Finally, we analyzed 20 samples tested positive for SAR-CoV-2 and 10 controls, obtaining a sensibility of 95% and specificity of 100%. © 2021 MicroTAS 2021 - 25th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences. All rights reserved.