Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Computer Science have developed a next-generation universal pathogen diagnostic platform combining scalable genomic sequencing, simplified laboratory workflows, and integrated logistics infrastructure to enable rapid, low-cost, high-throughput infectious disease detection.
Background:
The rise of pathogen-specific therapies for diseases such as Hantavirus, COVID-19, and influenza has increased demand for accurate, high-throughput diagnostics capable of identifying a broad range of infectious agents. Current multiplexed PCR tests are limited by cost, throughput, and reliance on healthcare worker-collected samples, restricting their use in large-scale screening. Existing sequencing-based approaches, including nanopore and capture enrichment methods, face constraints in capacity, turnaround time, and infrastructure requirements, often requiring expensive and specialized laboratory equipment. As a result, these limitations hinder rapid outbreak response and real-time public health surveillance at scale. There remains an unmet need for a low-cost, accurate, scalable diagnostic platform that can detect diverse pathogens in routine clinical and community settings.
Innovation:
Professor Eleazar Eskin and his research team have developed a scalable genomic diagnostic platform that combines simplified sequencing workflows with integrated logistics infrastructure for high-throughput pathogen detection. The system enables detection of hundreds of pathogens in a single assay while reducing equipment costs by several orders of magnitude. It uses a minimal hands-on workflow, interoperable self-collection kits, and digital tracking infrastructure to support rapid sample collection and processing. Samples can be delivered within two hours and returned with results in approximately six hours. The platform is further designed to be compatible with existing laboratory infrastructure, enabling immediate adoption without major workflow disruption. This integrated system enables population-scale infectious disease testing with significantly expanded diagnostic breadth and reduced cost and complexity compared to existing methods.
Potential Applications:
● Primary care and outpatient clinics
● Urgent care centers and pharmacy-based testing labs
● Large clinical laboratories and integrated health systems
● Self-collection testing via distributed vending systems
● Population-scale screening and surveillance programs
● Digital health platforms with smartphone-enabled reporting and tracking
Advantages:
● Scalable and infrastructure-compatible
● Low-cost testing
● High-throughput and multiplexed processing
● Minimal laboratory equipment required
State of Development:
Logistics and IT infrastructure have been developed and validated for scalable COVID-19 diagnostic testing and are now being expanded to broader respiratory disease applications. Prototype systems and three tiers of deployable deliverables are planned for further validation and rollout.
Related Publications and Technologies:
Swabseq Agnostic Diagnostic Platform (Case No. 2023-293)
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2026-121
Lead Inventor:
Eleazar Eskin, Faculty, Department of Computer Science