検体前処理から情報集約までのPCR検査の現状と課題克服のためのシステムコンセプト

抄録

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has revealed issues regarding the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests that can be conducted daily, testing system used, and organizations that conduct these tests in Japan. This research aims to realize an automated inspection system by utilizing robotics technology and information management technology to prepare for possible future virus mutations and pandemics. In this paper, the requirements and technology trend surveys and issues about PCR inspections are extracted and a new concept is formed from the results. The functionality of the system consists of the following processes: pre-stage process, RNA extraction, real-time PCR, and information aggregation. Furthermore, the system is flexible and continuous. This system is particularly effective in prefectural public health institutes, which play an important role in the early stages of a pandemic. Future works of this study may consider the enhancement of the pre-stage and information aggregation processes of the system.