How Does Biofire Filmarray Work, and What Kinds Are There?

Consider a technology that could transform clinical diagnostics by providing rapid and accurate results for a wide range of infectious diseases.

The Biofire FilmArray is one such clinical instrument that has altered molecular diagnostics. It has become an important tool for healthcare practitioners all around the world due to its capacity to offer speedy and precise results.

But what exactly is the Biofire FilmArray and what does it do?

The varieties and functions of the Biofire FilmArray are discussed in this article.

Helvetica Health Care (HHC) is a prominent provider of BioFire FilmArray external panels and run controls, as well as other clinical diagnostic products. We offer a variety of Quality Controls and Verification Panels in various formats (single or multiple analytes) that may be utilised with a variety of molecular testing systems and assays.

Using these independent controls on a constant basis helps monitor testing performance and provides further confidence in the quality and reliability of laboratory operations based on product configuration, fill volumes, and analyte concentration.

To learn more about our various molecular testing platforms and assays, please visit https://www.h-h-c.com/platforms/.

What Is Biofire Filmarray?

The Biofire Filmarray System is a multiplex PCR system approved for medical diagnostics by the FDA, TGA, and CE-IVD. Assimilation of various samples for detection, amplification, preparation, and subsequent analysis is part of the process.

The Biofire FilmArray is a tiny, fully integrated system that blends molecular biology's strength with the convenience of automation. It use multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect and diagnose numerous illnesses in a single sample.

The system is distinguished by its simplicity, requiring only two minutes of hands-on time and an hour of run time. These characteristics contribute to its potential to produce quick outcomes, allowing it to provide immediate treatment to hospitalised patients.

How Does Biofire Filmarray Work?

Sample Preparation:

The first step is to take a sample from the patient, such as a throat swab or blood sample. This sample is then prepared for analysis, which usually entails extracting nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) from pathogens found in the sample.

Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr):

BioFire FilmArray employs a multiplex PCR technique that amplifies and detects specific DNA or RNA sequences from a wide variety of pathogens. This amplification process allows for the detection of even trace amounts of genetic material, increasing the test's sensitivity.

Detection And Analysis:

The BioFire FilmArray system identifies and quantifies amplified DNA and RNA using a sophisticated set of molecular probes. These probes are designed to target specific genetic sequences that are unique to each pathogen, ensuring pathogen identification accuracy.

Rapid Reporting:

One of the primary advantages of the BioFire FilmArray is its speed. Typically, results are available within a few hours, making them useful in emergencies and for quickly diagnosing contagious diseases.

What Are The Different Types Of Biofire Filmarray Panels?

Now that we've a better understanding of how BioFire FilmArray works, let's look at the various types of panels available, each of which is tailored to specific diagnostic needs. BioFire offers a number of panels that are designed to target specific pathogens or disease clusters, making it a versatile tool for healthcare professionals. Here are some noteworthy substitutes:

Biofire Filmarray Respiratory Panels:

These panels are used to detect respiratory infections. They can recognise a wide range of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19, and many others. These panels can accurately and quickly diagnose the cause of symptoms in healthcare professionals.

Biofire Filmarray Gastrointestinal Panels:

Gastrointestinal infections can be difficult to diagnose due to the large number of possible pathogens. The Gastrointestinal Panels from BioFire can identify a wide range of viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause GI issues, allowing for prompt and accurate treatment.

Biofire Filmarray Meningitis/encephalitis Panels:

The goal of these panels is to identify pathogens that cause infections of the central nervous system. They assist medical professionals in providing appropriate treatment while preventing severe complications through early diagnosis.

Biofire Filmarray Pneumonia Panels:

Pneumonia is a common and occasionally fatal lung infection. BioFire FilmArray panels aid in the rapid identification of the causative agents, which is critical in determining the most effective antibiotics for treatment.

These specially designed BioFire FilmArray panels are critical for increasing lab efficiency. To learn more about how this system improves lab outputs, please see our previous article, "5 Tips for Optimal Lab Efficiency with BioFire FilmArray."

Contact us today and let us know how we can assist your labs.