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DiversiLab Reagents DiversiLab Hardware DiversiLab Software DiversiLab Applications DiversiLab Libraries Underlying Technology FAQ

bioMérieux provides the equipment, reagents and software for microbial genotyping of bacteria and fungi. Packaged together, these components are referred to as the DiversiLab System.

The DiversiLab System for DNA fingerprinting and analysis is a powerful tool for tracking the spread and source of microbial infection, contamination, or epidemics natural and man-made. Based on patented rep-PCR technology, microbial isolates can quickly and accurately be distinguished at the subspecies and strain level.

The DiversiLab System employs the following simple steps to generate unique, reproducible fingerprints for each of your microbial samples.

• DNA Extraction:
  Extract DNA from isolated cultures.
   
• rep-PCR Amplification:
  Amplify samples using rep-PCR and the appropriate DiversiLab DNA Fingerprinting Kits.
   
• Detection:
  Separate fragments via electrophoresis performed in a microfluidics DNA LabChip.
   
• Data Analysis:
  Analyze data in real time with reports accessible via an individual secured website.

Why Strain-type?

Cost Savings

• One in 20 patients acquires an infection while hospitalized.
• The average cost of a non-life threatening nosocomial infection is about $15,000.
• A serious bloodstream infection costs on average an additional $57,000.

Compliance to Stricter Standards

• JCAHO recommends managing events related to hospital-acquired infections.
• The number of quality measures have increased to include surgical infections as part of National Voluntary Hospital Reporting Initiative.

Legal Protection

• Four states have passed laws and 25 states have pending legislation that require health-care facilities to report all nosocomial infections and outbreaks to state health departments.
• Law firms are specializing in suits dealing with hospital-acquired infections.

The DiversiLab System helps you identify outbreaks sooner, resulting in reduced patient-care and legal costs.


Patent Information

The rep-PCR technique was invented by James R. Lupski, M.D., Ph.D., James Versalovic, M.D., Ph.D., and Thearith Koeuth while at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

The rep-PCR technology and rep-PCR primers are covered by U.S. patents (5,691,136 and 5,523,217) and by international patents for Canada and Europe.

U.S. Patent Office

International Patent Office