Despite the developments in conventional PCR, the complexity of multiplex real-time PCR is still limited due to the lack of sufficient detection channels. To achieve high-end multiplexing capacity on standard real-time PCR machines, PathoFinder® has developed the SmartFinder® technology. It enables Single-tube Multiplex Amplification in Real-Time (SMART) of up to 24 infectious pathogens with the same sensitivity as monoplex real-time PCR.

The detection of the amplified FAM labelled probes is by melting curve analysis on a real-time PCR system. Twelve detection probes, either ROX or Cy5 labelled and varying in melting temperature, enable specific detection of the amplified product and the corresponding pathogen.