MatMaCorp in Lincoln, Nebraska, developed a PCR device that was designed for veterinarians to run real time assays in the field. This self-contained device, which weighs 6 pounds and is the size of a laptop, can produce results within one to two hours.

It was quickly realized that this technology could play a vital role in the fight against COVID-19.  

Ted Kalbfleisch, PhD, associate professor at the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center, was a part of the collaborating team that led to the MatMaCorp device receiving emergency FDA approval for COVID-19 testing. This new COVID assay has now been approved for use in CLIA-approved laboratories; future work would be focused on a device that can be utilized point of care, or in the field testing.

“Being a part of a collaboration of this scale with researchers and resources like those at MatMaCorp and the University of Kentucky CCTS, on a project this impactful, is both incredibly exciting and rewarding,” Kalbfleisch said.

Danielle Jostes, Equine Philanthropy Director, provided this information.