Sample Intake
Tubes are scanned into intake to tie them to a patient-specific QR code.
Resources
Community Testing Process
The CLIA-certified Diagnostics Lab runs laboratory-developed test (LDT) TigerSaliva COVID-19 tests for all of Clemson University and the surrounding community. The lab currently averages ~4,000 saliva COVID-19 quantitative RT-PCR diagnostic tests per day.
A platform by Rymedi enables test initialization and reporting results to quickly reach patients. After testing, two technologists analyze and verify the results before being uploaded to the platform. Rymedi then sends a text and email notification to patients to check their results.
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Diagnostics Lab
The test initialization and reporting is done through a platform by Rymedi, which enables results to quickly reach patients. Tubes are scanned into the intake to tie them to a patient-specific QR code. The initiated samples arrive at the lab for processing. They are scanned into an internal lab log, then placed in an oven to prepare the samples for testing. Heat-treated sample tubes are loaded sequentially into robots, where specimens are pipetted into 384 well plates. Loaded plates are run on thermocyclers to perform PCR. The results are analyzed and verified by two technologists before being uploaded to the Rymedi platform. Rymedi then sends a text and email notification to patients to check their results.
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Rymedi Overview
With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, we shifted our proven protocol to focus on COVID testing, working with universities, diagnostic manufacturers, CLIA labs, and testing service providers to curb the spread of the pandemic. Leveraging our experience and proven technology, we developed three key solutions running on our Connected Health Platform to tackle numerous diseases and challenges facing healthcare worldwide.
REDDI Lab Tests 20,000 Samples a Week
In Sirrine Hall, a team of student scientists led by bioengineering professor Delphine Dean collaborates to process more than 20,000 COVID-19 tests each week. Here’s how their REDDI lab works.
Heat Samples
Tubes are put into a 200° F (95° C) oven for 30 minutes.
Remove Tubes
Tubes are removed from the oven and scanned again and loaded sequentially.
Load Robots
Robots pipette tube samples into two locations on well plates.
PCR Machine
Loaded plates are run on thermocyclers to perform PCR, raising and lowering temperatures.
Results Check
The results are analyzed and verified by two technologists before being uploaded to the Rymedi platform. Rymedi then sends a text and email notification to patients to check their results.
Development & Analytics Labs
Development Lab
The Development Lab is a dedicated space for designing and implementing diverse clinical tests beyond PCR-based tests. It is also the home for Clemson’s clinical biorepository.
Data Analytics Lab
The Data Analytics Lab is an office space that is used for compiling, processing, and analyzing the data produced by the REDDI Lab. This space also serves as the primary REDDI Lab office.
Fabrication & Preclinical Labs
Fabrication and Rapid Prototyping Lab
The Fabrication and Rapid Prototyping (FRP) Lab is where new and innovative devices are designed and produced. The devices made in this lab are utilized for diagnostic, therapeutic, and public health screening purposes.
Preclinical Development Lab
The Preclinical Development Lab houses equipment for testing devices designed in the FRP Lab. This cell and tissue lab is Dr. Dean’s primary research lab, which also functions as the Multiscale Bioelectromechanics Lab.
Equipment
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Development Lab
- BioRad CFX Touch 96 Thermocycler
Quantity 2 - BioTek Synergy Neo2 Hybrid Multi-Mode Read plate reader
- BioTek BenchCel 2R
- BioTek EL406 Washer Dispenser
- Millipore Sigma Milli-Q™ Direct WaterPurification System
- ThermoScientific TSX40086A -80 degree Freezer
- BioRad CFX Touch 96 Thermocycler
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Clinical Lab
- Opentrons OT-2 Liquid Handler Robot
Quantity 13 - BioRad CFX Opus 384 Thermocycler
Quantity 12 - Thermofisher Sorvali Lynx 6000 floor centrifuge
- Opentrons OT-2 Liquid Handler Robot
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Fabrication and Preclinical Development Lab
- Dremer LC-40 Laser Cutter
- FormLabs Form 3 Resin 3D Printer
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Preclinical Development Lab
- BioTek Cytation 5 Imaging Reader
- BioTek BioSpa 8 Automated incubator
1.25x, 2.5x, 10x, 20x, 40x, and 60x objectives, GFP, Texas Red, RFP, YFP, and Cy5 illumination and filters, Laser Autofocus, Automated Incubator Gas Modules and gas control for CO2 and Nitrogen - Olympus CKX41 Microscope
- Prior Scientific Microscope
- Fisher Scientific Education Microscope
- Cole Palmer Masterflex peristaltic pump
- BioTek MultiFlo FX
- Orflo Technologies MoxiGO II flow cytometer
- Thermofisher NanoDrop plateless reader
- Tektronix mixed-signal oscilloscope with probes
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Vehicles
- Electric Cushman Hauler Pro Golf Carts
Quantity 2 - Mobile Lab Vans (in partnership with Public Health’s HealthMe-HealthSC)
Quantity 2
- Electric Cushman Hauler Pro Golf Carts
COVID-19 Vaccine Trial
Studying Vaccine Effectiveness
Clemson University is one of several higher education institutions taking part in a randomized, controlled study to assess infection, viral shedding, and subsequent potential transmission in students immunized with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The clinical trial is co-sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The REDDI lab currently facilitates sample collection and saliva diagnostics for the ongoing clinical trial to continue determining COVID-19 vaccine efficacy in young adult populations.
Trial Information