Windows app for the processing of PCR tests

Our client is a dynamic point of care diagnostics company based in Belgium. The company is developing an extensive portfolio of tests for the screening, diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of health conditions, including infectious diseases.

The pandemic of COVID-19 required rapid and accurate PCR testing performed at on-demand locations, such as airports, large offices, etc. As existing quick tests lacked sensitivity and accuracy, the company launched the development of a molecular diagnostic pipeline using its own ultra-fast PCR technology.

The specialists on the client’s side created a proprietary algorithm to detect the virus in a sample. So an algorithm-based diagnostic platform was the next development step. The solution needed to combine software, hardware (reader(s)), and reader firmware communicating with each other.

The engineers at EffectiveSoft had already taken part in the development of a hardware testing solution. On the next project stage, our specialists were expected to deliver a Windows-based application to connect the hardware with the algorithm accompanied by UI.

In close cooperation with the client’s in-house specialists, we created a Windows service that manages the PCR process, and a communication protocol used to transmit data within the system.

Upon the client’s request, we developed the platform MVP. The evaluation performed by the client’s in-house QA team showed that the functionality and performance met the CE-IVD certification criteria and were launch ready.

The PCR testing process supported by our solution is accurate and simple from the end-user’s point of view.

• A sample is put together with the detection mix and loaded onto a PCR card.
• An operator scans the sample ID, detection mix ID, and test card ID which are then transferred to the system.
• When the app receives and validates all the IDs required for the test, it establishes a connection with the reader and automatically initiates test execution.
• The algorithm processes the data sent by the reader and transfers the result to the UI displayed on the PC screen.

The team at EffectiveSoft successfully completed the development of the complex product in cooperation with the client’s development and testing teams. The Windows-based solution comprising the client’s unique algorithm fully satisfies the customer requirements, domain legal requirements, and IEC62304.