The companies plan to create a fully automated PCR testing system for infectious disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Hitachi High-Tech Corp and ELITechGroup have entered a collaboration, manufacturing, and supply agreement to develop fully automated PCR testing systems for infectious disease diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
The partnership combines Hitachi High-Tech’s photometric analysis and automation capabilities with ELITech’s PCR testing systems and reagent expertise for the European market. Under the agreement, Hitachi High-Tech will supply the jointly developed system to ELITech.
The automated PCR platform features continuous sample and reagent loading with random-access capabilities, along with fully automated functions from sample preparation to measurement. The companies say the system is designed to enhance operational efficiency in microbiology and virology laboratories.
“The joint development efforts will focus on creating innovative and flexible PCR platform that enhances operational efficiency in microbiology and virology laboratories, ultimately contributing to improved patient care,” according to the companies’ announcement.
Hitachi High-Tech will showcase the system under the name “LABOSPECT GA-5” at the JACLaS EXPO 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, from Oct 3-5, 2025.
Addressing Laboratory Efficiency Needs
The collaboration addresses growing demand for improved testing efficiency through automation and reduced testing times for multiple test items. PCR testing gained wider adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, with molecular testing used to assess disease risks and diagnose conditions based on genetic information.
The system also incorporates technologies from Precision System Science Co Ltd, with whom Hitachi High-Tech maintains a business alliance for genetic testing applications.
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