In 2016, Seek Labs set out to create a laboratory-quality POC diagnostic device that empowered patients who needed otherwise inaccessible information about their health. Seek Labs recognized existing diagnostic devices did not meet patients’ needs with respect to cost, time to results, and equipment. Following early research efforts, Seek Labs determined the entire diagnostic testing process had to be broken apart to deliver a true POC device that served patients’ needs and communicated clear information. Through this exercise, Seek Labs identified and began innovating in five distinct areas that comprise the laboratory diagnostic process, all with the purpose of innovating each component for use at the point of care.

Diagnostic methods typically begin with a user collecting a biological sample, such as saliva, which is commonly referred to as sample acquisition. After identifying this component, Seek Labs recognized existing sample acquisition technologies could be integrated into a more efficient POC platform. Following the sample acquisition step, the biological sample undergoes a process to extract and isolate DNA/RNA material necessary for testing. After identifying this component, Seek Labs worked to develop radical advancements for extracting and isolating the DNA material necessary for testing. Seek Labs also reinvented this process for preparing and amplifying DNA for testing. Finally, Seek Labs overcame challenges with the process for detecting a particular disease or pathogen and reporting the diagnostic results back to the user.