A company that provides advanced imaging equipment to stargazing enthusiasts around the world has developed compact cameras, with superior sensitivity and image quality, for use in qPCR instruments to improve COVID-19 testing.  

Atik Cameras has developed the new VS255 and VS825 cameras for use specifically with qPCR. These commercially-competitive, custom cameras, which mark the latest additions to Atik Cameras’ VS Series of scientific charge-coupled-device (CCD) cameras, offer superior sensitivity and image quality.

"The camera of a qPCR instrument plays a key role at the amplification stage of the testing process, recording the fluorescent signals of the viral genetic material, with the greyscale version of the image being analysed to generate either a positive or negative result," explained Stephen Chambers, Chief Executive Officer at Atik Cameras. 

"With the paramount importance of the COVID-19 challenge, it was vital that Atik Cameras provided products that were well suited to the task. Drawing on our scientific imaging expertise, as well as our extensive research and development capabilities, we’ve developed the VS255 and VS825 cameras to offer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and clinical diagnostic laboratories high-performing tools to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of active COVID-19 infections," said Chambers.

The VS255 camera has been equipped with a wealth of features designed to maximize the diagnostic potential of qPCR instruments. Owing to its advanced cooling capabilities, the camera offers optimal sensitivity and image quality through the reduction of dark current.

Image quality is further enhanced due to the camera’s binning capabilities combined with its pixel size. Furthermore, the compact case design of the VS255 camera enables unmatched ease of implementation. 

At the same time, the VS825 camera is a bespoke, modified version of Atik Cameras’ Infinity camera, featuring integrated cooling capabilities alongside custom firmware and software.

"It is with great pride that Atik Cameras can now be part of this unprecedented effort to safeguard public health, with thousands of cameras installed in qPCR instruments around the world, each processing thousands of samples every day," said Jason Evans, Sales & Marketing Director at Atik Cameras.

If you need further information about the VS Series, click here or use the 'Request Information' button provided below.