Rhinostics Introduces the ELEstic/ELEbot Platform

Rhinostics has launched the patent-pending ELEstic swab collection device combined with the ELEbot Decapper. The ELEstic includes a high-performance swab attached to a cap that screws into a 75mm by 13mm tube, the diagnostic industry standard that fits into most of the larger closed molecular testing platforms. The ELEbot Decapper provides 24-tube automated decapping of swab samples that can be placed upstream of these molecular testing platforms for sample elution and decapping prior to transferring the sample directly into the diagnostics testing system.

“We are excited to expand our platform to offer a solution for the closed diagnostic platforms after successfully launching our 96-well solutions for open platforms nearly three years ago. Each lab that adopts our technology quickly realizes the benefits of stream-lined workflows, more reliable and repeatable testing through robotics, reducing labor dependency and costs, and dropping their reagent costs to make a significant impact on their cost of goods. Every laboratory is looking for ways to manage their costs more effectively as reimbursement payments continue to fall,” Rhinostics President/CEO Cheri Walker, Ph.D., said.
 
The ELEstic joins the company’s proprietary collection devices, including the 96-well RHINOstic/RHINObot system. Both systems integrate a unique, polypropylene swab with an automatable cap. After a patient sample is collected, the swab is placed into a collection tube for dry shipment, bypassing the need for transport media to reduce sample loss during transport and accidental biohazard contact. This feature also enables more rapid and complete elution for increasing sample concentration to drop Limits of Detection (LOD) for many assays; can remove extraction steps; and reduces reagent usage. Both the ELEstic and RHINOstic systems offer significant cost reductions to laboratory workflows through labor and reagent savings.
 
The easy-to-use ELEbot Decapper automates decapping and capping of the ELEstic in 75mm by 13mm tubes in 24-tube racks. This speeds sample processing and allows more samples to be processed in the same footprint with a smaller staff, in the first completely handsfree swab workflow, lowering dependency on labor and dropping these costs significantly.
 
The ELEstic employs the proven stacked-ring head, developed at the Wyss Institute, with a successful track record testing millions of COVID-19 patient and medically collected samples. Additionally, laboratories have begun using the swabs for multi-analyte respiratory testing, vaginal and triple-site collection for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), wounds, and other swab sample types.
 
As a spin-out company from Harvard University and Wyss Institute, Rhinostics takes a new approach to sample collection device design and function. Using advanced collection device technologies such as the RHINOstic and ELEstic Automated Swabs, VERIstic blood collection devices and HIPPOstic DNA collection device, test kit manufacturers can empower high-end patient experiences with abundant and clean sample yields for tests from lateral flow to microfluidics; all while boosting profits and differentiating their brand. Test processing laboratories conducting sensitive assays from traditional PCR to LAMP or antigen testing and more gain increased sample throughput compared to manual workflows for cost-effective and robust assay performance even when working with difficult samples; with labor reductions even during times of surging demand. Rhinostics aids testing workflows in areas including respiratory disease, genomics, STDs, forensic and much more. Rhinostics launched the three new collection devices and several robotic decapper systems with its partners to provide systems for its purpose-built sample collection devices for their application combined with automation enablement. Rhinostics products are registered as Class I exempt medical devices with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may be used for clinical collection upon CLIA validation.