PCR uses primers to copy only the segment of DNA you’re looking for. Primers contain the complements of the first few “letters” of the “word” you’re looking for on your template strand (the first bases of your target sequence). They only bind to the template strand where they find those letters, and thus only those sequences are copied. Real-time PCR works by introducing fluorescent dyes and probes to the PCR process. Devices can then optically measure how much fluorescence there is in your reaction mix and use that to interpret how much target DNA was in your sample.
Real-time PCR is an updated PCR method that allows you to receive results as the reaction proceeds. Instead of waiting for the entire chain reaction to finish, you can watch the reaction proceed in “real time”.
Our device takes approximately 30 – 55 minutes for a complete run. Contact us for the latest spec sheets.
No, all of our products are currently for Research Use Only and not for use in diagnostic procedures. We intend to take a subset of our products through the US regulatory process in the near future.
Visit our online store to purchase devices, supplies, or test kits. If you have any questions or would like a custom quote please contact us.
The Biomeme platform is currently being used for eDNA analysis by many leaders: e.g. Smith-Root, University of Guelph, Precision Biomonitoring (PBI), Wildlife Conservation Society, etc. PBI has published several recent case studies validating the value of the tool for eDNA.
In addition to eDNA, the Biomeme two3 is being used in a variety of other use cases where sensitivity is paramount, such as liquid cancer biopsies, foodborne pathogens (that typically requiring enrichment), pre-symptomatic infections, biomarker quantification, and other use-cases.
The two3 is a field-based, real-time PCR: it is designed for applications that are time-sensitive and location-sensitive where results from the field need to be actionable as soon as possible. Factors to consider when choosing the appropriate PCR:
Biomeme is not trying to compete on high-volume throughput like a centralized lab. Instead, Biomeme offers these benefits:
Our use cases are usually time-sensitive and/or location sensitive situations where the real-time result is actionable.
In place of using the two3, higher throughput can be achieved with the new Biomeme thermocycler, the three9: 9 samples (test each sample for 2 targets + 1 IPC).
Yes, the prep samples can be brought back to the lab for further testing even after it has been tested in the field using the two3.
The two3 can do 6 runs before having to recharge the thermocycler and recharging takes about 1.5 hours. For example, the two3 could achieve 3×6 = 18 filter samples — would take 90 minutes sample prep time and 240 minutes of running protocol for a total of 330 minutes (or 5.5 hours).
Currently our device is compatible with FAM/SYBR and Cy5/ATTO647N fluorophores. Our three9 devices add a third channel that detects TexasRedX. Isothermal (LAMP, NASBA, etc.) analysis is also possible. Contact us for the latest device spec sheets.
We have developed several master mixes: LyoDNA, LyoRNA, and LyoGreen. We also offer Go-Strips with lyophilized master mix. These products are available for sale at our store. You can also use your favorite commercial or homebrewed master mixes. Note that your master mix should not contain ROX.
We have a number of test kits available for sale at our store. You also have the option of developing your own test using our bulk product line. Other organizations are also developing their own tests for use on the Biomeme platform in a variety of industries and applications ranging from biothreat to nutrigenomics to K-12 STEM education. Contact us to discuss potential test development partnerships.
The Biomeme two3 technology allows for DNA collection and direct processing in the field, which minimizes DNA degradation that usually occurs if the sample needs to be transported from the field back to a lab (remote from the field) for processing. The two3 allows for sample processing in-the-field so transportation of the sample DNA is not necessary.
There is not a high chance of contamination because, unlike lab protocols, the Biomeme platform makes use of disposable, single-use consumables. Plus, the two3 is easy-to-use with simple step-by-step instructions. Biomeme has been used in the field by numerous researchers without contamination. If desired, a user can always run negative controls at the beginning and/or end of the testing day.
Central lab-centric processing is a completely different model than Biomeme. A central lab-bound process will wait to receive a sufficient quantity of samples and then run all of them in a batch process. In contrast, the Biomeme technology is field-based, end-to-end solution for real-time detection and data analysis for mission-critical, actionable use cases where time is of the essence.
Biomeme’s mobile technology has been used for a wide variety of aquatic eDNA and water quality applications. Biomeme’s M1 sample prep works with up to 1mL of fresh, marine, or industrial process water. The system can also test water filters commonly used in eDNA field collection applications. Read more in a recently published article on eDNA field detection using Smith-Root’s ANDe™ water filtration system and Biomeme M1 sample prep, Go-Strip tests, and two3 hand-held thermocyclers.
The Biomeme sample prep protocol requires NO INCUBATION and the process takes just a few minutes to extract and purify high quality nucleic acids from a variety of sample types.
All of Biomeme’s end-to-end Go-Kits come with everything needed isolated nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) in the field. No lab equipment, no cold-chain, no power, no problem! All the sample prep buffers come pre-aliquoted, and the Go-Strip tests include master mix, primers and probes lyophilized together in shelf-stable PCR strips. These Go-Strips are then put into Biomeme’s battery-powered, hand-held qPCR thermocyclers.
Professional molecular biologists can take advantage of Biomeme’s open architecture to design whatever protocol they desire. Program in your specific thermocycling protocol with a few taps in the mobile app, label the reactions as you like and run as many replicates or positive/negative controls you desire, and after the test is completed you’ll have access to all of your raw data both in the mobile and in the Biomeme web portal. Biomeme’s prepared end-to-end Go-Kits and Go-Strip tests have different layouts depending on the intended use. Most of our eDNA tests are multiplexed with an internal positive control (IPC) to check for inhibition and confirm the device, reagents, and PCR worked correctly. Negative controls are generally less of an issue given that all sample prep and test reagents & plastics are single-use, reducing the risk of contamination. Nevertheless, in some cases users may want to run negatives controls at the beginning and/or end of a test day.
Biomeme considers formulation of our primers as trade secrets: we are happy to share the gene targets. Also, Biomeme offers custom-test manufacturing services if users would like field kits developed with their own primer sequences. Contact us to discuss partnerships. How can we help you do what you do?
ROX Reference Dye is a proprietary Dye designed for use on Thermofisher lab-bound thermocyclers to normalize the fluorescent reporter signal in their real-time qPCR or RT-PCR. Biomeme and numerous trusted, name-brand equipment manufacturers — e.g. Roche and Bio-Rad — do not require the use of a calibrator dyes to normalize their data. This is one additional benefit of using the Biomeme two3.
Yes. The Biomeme two3 can run for about 6 test runs on a single charge.
The device comes with a power adapter that plugs directly into a wall outlet. Charging takes about 1.5 hours, and the device will still work while charging. Watch this short video here about how to charge your two3 thermocycler.
On a full charge, the battery can run up to 6 typical PCR tests.
No! Our device comes with the iPhone and all necessary software to get started right away.
Yes, the device is compatible with standard 200 µL PCR tubes. However, we highly recommend using Biomeme’s Go-Strips, as they are specially designed for use with our device.
Yes. Please make sure the device is turned off, and that the smartphone is turned off or in airplane mode before flying.
The device analyzes test results in real time. The data are stored on the iPhone and synced with Biomeme’s cloud-based data management system when the iPhone has a Wifi or cellular connection. Biomeme’s web portal and accompanying dashboard enables users to track and manage test results seamlessly from anywhere on any device. Users can also manage and view test results within the iOS application and export raw data as a .csv file via email or text. You can also export results as a .jpg file of the amplification plot with a text description. Results can be securely sent to third-party databases on a case-by-case basis.
We use 128-bit encryption on all data transfer. Human health test data can be stored in a HIPAA-compliant database.
Our data management system is cloud-based and easily integrated with other cloud-based systems. We work with customers to identify an EHR of choice and then go to that EHR to request an API for that customer’s case.
Yes, we have an API that will allow you or your organization to create apps to fit your data management needs.
In a Biomeme lab, ticks are tested via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the presence of pathogens that cause tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. PCR is a biochemical process used to amplify target DNA sequences. Since its invention in 1983, PCR has become a bedrock technology in molecular biology and biomedical science. DNA consists of two strands of nucleic acid units bound together by pairs of matching bases. When DNA is heated to a certain temperature (usually 94-98°C), the two strands come apart, exposing the bases. Through ensuing cooling and heating cycles, the exposed bases on both strands can then be matched to new bases, creating two new double helices. Done over and over, this process can exponentially grow the number of DNA copies you have. It’s like a targeted copy machine for DNA or RNA. If there’s just one copy of the target DNA or RNA in your sample, the PCR process makes billions of copies, which can then be detected. PCR offers superior accuracy and/or speed when compared to other detection methods, like culture.
Our Standard and Be Prepared Kits both test for the most common tick pathogens including Borrelia burgdorferi (Deer Tick), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (American Dog Tick) and Babesia microti (Lone Star Tick). Our Standard Kit is $49.95. Our Be Prepared Kit consists of 4 Standard Kits and costs only $99.95 for a limited time only ($25 ea).
Yes. Your personal contact information is only used to send your test results.
Check out our Resources section where we have valuable information from the likes of the CDC and other online educational resources.
Positive results do not necessarily mean you’ve been infected, so we encourage you to consult your doctor or veterinarian. It’s important to note that our tick testing service is not a substitute for medical consultation or diagnosis.
No.
Highly unlikely. DNA remains stable for long periods of time, but if we determine that your tick cannot be tested we will contact you immediately.
No.
Yes (for the most part), but it’s important to provide the gut of the tick to help us determine the presence of pathogens.
Do not put your tick in anything other than water. This includes alcohol, tape, vaseline, toilet paper, facial tissue, cotton balls, medical or prescription bottles, nail polish, bleach formaldehyde, formalin, etc.. If you’ve already put your tick in one of these, it may still be testable so long as the substance did not damage the nucleic acid.
Depending on your location, it can take anywhere between 2-5 business days to receive your kit. If you do not receive your kit after 5 business days, please contact us.
Each tick testing kit includes a prepaid mailer you can use to mail your tick to our laboratory. Please be sure to complete and include your test submission form in addition to your tick inside the poly specimen bag provided.
Biomeme offers a 24-hour turnaround once our lab receives your tick for testing. Your test results will be delivered via email. If the results should be delivered to someone other than the individual who purchased the kit, please include their email address on your test submission form.
With the purchase of a single Standard Kit, you can send one tick. With the purchase of a single Be Prepared Kit, you can send up to 4 ticks. Please place the ticks in their own specimen bags and complete a test submission form for each tick. Should you choose to, you may mail everything in the same prepaid mailer.
Positive results do not necessarily mean you’ve been infected. Please consult your doctor or veterinarian. Transmission of a pathogen from the tick to its host is dependent upon how long the tick had been feeding, and each pathogen has its own transmission time.
Yes, you can check the status of your order without contacting us directly by logging into your Biomeme Shop account and navigating to the Order Status page.
From the CDC website:
If you find a tick attached to your skin, there’s no need to panic—the key is to remove the tick as soon as possible. There are several tick removal devices on the market, but a plain set of fine-tipped tweezers work very well.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept insurance payments for tick testing services.
