Rapid Sample Processing Device to Support Battlefield Wound Infection Diagnostics

Given the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with military trauma-related invasive fungal infections (IFIs), early identification of the causative fungal and bacterial species is crucial to improve outcomes. However, current methods, such as culture and histopathology, have limitations. Conventional cultures are both time-consuming and less sensitive, while histopathology lacks the ability to provide genus-level identification. Moreover, they require laboratory facilities and are not available at deployed Role 2 or 3 Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs). A rapid diagnostic method suitable for implementation in far-forward deployed environment is crucial for achieving early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The rapid molecular detection methods for combat wound infection diagnosis require a pure nucleic acid input sample to safeguard the amplification and sequencing enzyme activities. Inadequate quality of molecular assay samples, that is, the input nucleic acid solution, causes many problems not limited to low sensitivity (false negative). Zymeron is developing a simple, rapid, and efficient nucleic acid extraction method from raw human specimens. This device is essential for accurate identification and detection in far-forward deployed environments and other low-resource settings.