An automated homogenization processor for preparation of specimens for infectious organism and DNA detection

Fecal specimens are important biomarker sources for parasitic and microbial infections, microbial imbalances and nucleic acids shed from colorectal cancers. Preparing feces manually for testing is <i>messy</i>, time consuming and requires substantial “hands-on” analyst time. The utility of an automated solid specimen preparation platform comprised of a robotic/imaging/fluidic instrument and consumables was evaluated. Further development included consumable improvements, benchmarking hands-on versus automated timing, and guard banding specimen inputs and mixing regimens. Biomarkers in processed filtrates were tested by microscopy, immunoassay, culturing, and qPCR. After optimization, the platform reproducibly processed samples in less than 2 min of hands-free time with element recovery ranging from 74%–93%. There was a high correlation between antigen measured in a new <i>Giardia</i> chemiluminescence immunoassay from dog specimens prepared manually or on the platform. <i>Candida</i> sp. were cultured from 4 of 6 processed dog specimens. Nucleosome and <i>KRAS</i> DNA were recovered with little difference between paired fresh or frozen processed specimens. Finally, fecal samples from 10 different domestic and exotic animals were shown to be successfully homogenized on the platform. The new platform has been integrated and optimized for processing a variety of specimens into suitable filtrates for multiple parasitological, gastrointestinal disease, and oncological tests, providing a valuable addition to clinical laboratories.