Portable genetic detection and analysis system and method

Abstract

A portable detector is disclosed for detecting certain analytes of interest, such as genetic material (e.g., nucleic acids). The detector includes a reading component for the detection of the analytes, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the reading component. Processing circuitry may be included to perform both primary analysis of acquired data, and where desired, secondary analysis. Where desired, some or all of the computationally intensive tasks may be off-loaded to enhance the portability and speed of the device. The device may incorporate various types of interface, technologies for reading and analysis, positioning system interfaces, and so forth. A number of exemplary use cases and methods are also disclosed.

1 . A portable genetic detector comprising:
 a reading component configured to detect nucleic acids of interest in a biological sample introduced into the detector;   a control system configured to control operation of the reading component; and   a communications component configured to transmit data produced by the reading component to a remote computer system for analysis.   
     
     
         2 . The detector of  claim 1 , comprising a sample receiving component configured to receive and prepare the biological sample on a support for genetic analysis. 
     
     
         3 . The detector of  claim 2 , wherein the sample receiving component is controlled by the control system. 
     
     
         4 . The detector of  claim 1 , wherein the detector has a form factor suitable for hand-held operation. 
     
     
         5 . The detector of  claim 1 , comprising memory circuitry for storing at least some of the data produced by the reading component. 
     
     
         6 . The detector of  claim 1 , comprising a processing system configured to perform at least primary analysis of the data produced by the reading component to create processed data. 
     
     
         7 . The detector of  claim 6 , wherein the primary analysis comprises eliminating image data not corresponding to locations on the support having detectable nucleic acids. 
     
     
         8 . The detector of  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the control system and the processing system is configured to balance costs of data acquisition, computation, storage and transmission of data. 
     
     
         9 . The detector of  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the control system and the processing system is configured to determine a quality of data acquired and/or processed. 
     
     
         10 . The detector of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the control system and the processing system is configured to alter data acquisition and/or data processing and/or data storage and/or data transmission based upon the determined quality. 
     
     
         11 . The detector of  claim 1 , wherein the reading component comprises an optical imaging system. 
     
     
         12 . The detector of  claim 1 , wherein the detector comprises a base unit, and the sample receiving component comprises a cassette-like system insertable into the base unit. 
     
     
         13 . The detector of  claim 1 , wherein the detector comprises a base unit in which the sample receiving component and the reading component are disposed, and a separate processing unit in which the processing system and communications component are disposed. 
     
     
         14 . The detector of  claim 1 , comprising a locating component configured to locate the portable detector as it is displaced to sample locations. 
     
     
         15 . The detector of  claim 14 , wherein the locating component comprises a global positioning system locator. 
     
     
         16 . The detector of  claim 14 , wherein the locating component comprises a cellular network locator. 
     
     
         17 . The detector of  claim 1 , wherein the communications component is configured to transmit the data wirelessly to the remote computer system. 
     
     
         18 . A portable genetic detector comprising:
 a reading component configured to detect nucleic acids of interest in a biological sample;   a control system configured to control operation of the reading component; and   a locating component configured to locate the portable detector as it is displaced to sample locations.   
     
     
         19 . The detector of  claim 18 , comprising a mapping component configured to display a map for guidance of locations at which samples should be taken or locations at which samples are taken. 
     
     
         20 . A portable genetic detector comprising:
 a reading component configured to detect nucleic acids of interest in a biological sample;   a control system configured to control operation of the reading component; and   a memory circuit configured to store signature data for target genetic sequence;   wherein the processing system is configured to compare data derived from the reading component to the signature data.