Fig. 1. Epidax®, a microfluidic PCR platform for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

a Epidax® in operation with the detection module placed on top of the microfluidic chip and temperature module (for real-time RT–PCR in a SARS-CoV-2 confirmatory test in which an image is taken at the end of each amplification cycle), and an image analysis package deployed using a laptop; b Epidax® in operation with the detection module detached (for endpoint RT–PCR or RT-LAMP in SARS-CoV-2 screening). Samples and reagents are loaded onto the chip and placed in the temperature module for processing based on required protocols; c Schematic method of performing the whole process of detection and diagnosis d Exploded view of the chip detailing its components. The channel plate containing the channel profile could be easily changed for new applications. Shown in the figure is a channel plate comprising four channels as four independent PCR chambers. This is a disposable component of the chip, whereas other components can be reusable. The channel plate consists of a slot for installing a temperature sensor for feedback control to the Peltier element; e A four-channel chip for RT–PCR. Each channel consists of an inlet feeding into a serpentine region, followed by a curved expansion and curved contraction region forming an eye-shaped chamber in which the reaction mix will reside, followed by another serpentine region leading to an outlet; f A six-channel chip for RT-LAMP, demonstrating the capability of testing more samples in one test.