Frequently Asked Questions

Devin can be used for all types of biological fluids including whole blood, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), aqueous and vitreous humor, synovial fluid, ascitic fluids, urine, saliva, and other bodily fluids. 

We currently recommend using the Devin filter for fresh samples (immediately after collection with storage NOT exceeding 6 hours at ambient temperature or 12 hours at 2-6°C). However, we are testing our products with frozen samples and we have some data on select types. If you plan to use frozen samples, please consult with us so we can share the data and make the best recommendation.

• Pelleted and filtered samples can be stored at -20°C before further use
• DNA extracts stored at -20°C
• PCR-amplified DNA sequencing libraries at 4°C or -20°C
• Any other stopping points as defined in the user’s sequencing workflow

The Devin filter uses patented Zwitterionic Interface Ultra Self-assemble Coating (ZISC) technology to deplete host nucleated cells. ZISC creates a polymer cross-linked layer with alternating patterns of positively and negatively charged ions on the membrane, which maintains a tight hydration layer within the filter. The ions then interact with the hydrophilic proteins of host cells, retaining them in the filter, while permitting while allowing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to pass through unaltered.

No it does not. In fact, the Devin filter pore size 15-20 μm, large enough to allow human cells and larger microorganisms such as fungi to pass. The depletion of host cells occurs because of the double ionic technology, not the pore size.

PaRTI-Seq stands for Pathogen Real-Time Identification by Sequencing. It is our mNGS-grade assay that consists of three parts: the proprietary Devin Microbial DNA Enrichment Kit. the Unison Ultralow DNA NGS Library Preparation Kit, and PaRTI-Cular™. The Devin Microbial DNA Enrichment Kit is our DNA extraction kit. Along with the reagents required for DNA extraction, we supply Devin filters to deplete host cells from your fluid specimens Next, the Unison Ultralow DNA NGS Library Preparation Kit uses a one-step Tn5-based protocol to tag, amplify, and normalize DNA libraries.  Lastly, PaRTI-Cular is Micronbrane Medical’s bioinformatics software. PaRTI-Cular’s state-of-the-art computational algorithms and comprehensive microbial database provide an accurate report of a sample’s microbial community within 30 minutes per sample. 

• PaRTI-Seq can detect various microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Our PaRTI-Cular analysis database includes more than 1400 known human pathogens that help you quickly identify any pathogen of interest. The PaRTI-Seq pipeline also helps identify unknown novel exotic pathogens with no known sequences by aligning any unaligned sequences against the full Genbank database.


• As we continue to expand our database, we are actively looking for additional studies for viruses, yeasts, filamentous fungi, parasites, and intracellular bacteria. If you would like to test microorganisms not yet included in our database with the Devin filter and PaRTI-Seq assay we are happy to have you join our Research Program >

Currently our Microbial Enrichment kit and downstream mNGS library kit are designed to detect only DNA viruses. Nonetheless, we are currently developing a separate workflow to detect RNA viruses.  Join our newsletter and be notified the moment  we launch the assay.

PaRTI-Seq™ can be performed on any sequencing platform including Illumina, MGI, Nanopore, and PacBio. However, our NGS library kit is currently only compatible with Illumina-based platforms but we are quickly developing kits compatible with other sequencing platforms on the market.

Currently, the Devin filter, Unison kit, and PaRTI-Seq workflows are for Research Use Only (RUO).