PILOT — Droplet Digital PCR for bloodstream infections.
FirsTeckBio distributes the PILOT droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) platform from Pilot Gene Technologies — a rapid molecular solution for suspected bloodstream infection and sepsis. Nucleic acid is extracted directly from blood, with no blood culture required, and read on a multi-channel droplet chip scanner that absolutely quantifies pathogen load and antibiotic-resistance genes in a single run.
How It Works
Droplet digital PCR partitions each sample into thousands of droplets, giving absolute, culture-independent quantification straight from the specimen.
- Direct from blood: Extracts pathogen DNA directly from whole blood — bypassing the 2–5 day delay of blood culture.
- Multi-channel chip: Six fluorescence channels read the detection chip, running multiple panels per sample in one workflow.
- Absolute quantification: ddPCR counts target copies directly, reporting pathogen load rather than a yes/no result.
Pathogen & Resistance Panel
In published clinical evaluations the multiplex ddPCR panel covers 18 of the most common bloodstream pathogens plus key antibiotic-resistance genes.
- Gram-negative bacteria: E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, S. maltophilia, E. cloacae, P. mirabilis and more.
- Gram-positive bacteria: S. aureus, Enterococcus spp., Streptococcus spp. and coagulase-negative staphylococci.
- Fungi: Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii and Talaromyces marneffei.
- Resistance genes: blaKPC, mecA, blaOXA-48, blaNDM, blaIMP, vanA and vanM for early stewardship decisions.
Performance
Figures reported in peer-reviewed clinical studies of the multiplex ddPCR method (Pilot Gene Technologies, Hangzhou).
- Turnaround: Sample-to-result in roughly 5–6 hours, versus the 2–5 days typical of blood culture.
- Sensitivity: Detection limits as low as ~50 copies/mL for most targets — far below culture thresholds.
- Clinical agreement: ~89% sensitivity and ~86% specificity versus composite clinical diagnosis in published studies.
- Sample: Runs on ~5 mL EDTA whole blood; well suited to ICU and emergency sepsis workups.
Service in Italy
FirsTeckBio provides local Italian-language sales, installation and after-sales support for PILOT customers.
- Demo & evaluation: On-site demonstration and evaluation support at your laboratory in Italy.
- Installation: Delivery, installation and operator training coordinated from our Italian office.
- Technical support: Italian-language technical support and reagent supply for routine operation.
- Regulatory: Documentation and IVDR-readiness support for procurement and tender processes.
Interested in PILOT digital PCR?
Contact us for specifications, configurations and a tailored proposal.
Request Information