Xpedite Diagnostics convened experts for a high-impact webinar exploring how rapid DNA extraction and mobile sequencing platforms are reshaping wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and emergency outbreak response.
The virtual session, titled “What’s in the (Waste)Water? Field-Ready DNA Extraction and Sequencing for Faster, Smarter Surveillance”, brought together applied researchers, public health professionals, and diagnostic innovators to examine new workflows that enable fast, on-site analysis of microbial threats in water systems —especially under field conditions.
Featured speakers included:
- Dr. Rea Kobialka (Leipzig University)
- Dr. Arianna Ceruti (Leipzig University)
- Dr. Andy Wende (Xpedite Diagnostics)
The webinar opened with a presentation from Dr. Kobialka, who shared recent data comparing extraction methods for gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in wastewater. Her team’s work with suitcase-based labs demonstrated how magnetic bead-based reverse purification and nanopore sequencing enable reliable diagnostics in under 20 minutes — even without centrifuges or electrical infrastructure.
Dr. Ceruti built on this with a focus on field deployments during waterborne disease emergencies. She highlighted how these rapid protocols are deployed through the WHO’s mobile lab network to monitor water quality and support outbreak response in cyclone-hit and flood-prone regions.
Dr. Wende closed with a technical overview of SwiftX™ technology, showcasing its advantages over traditional spin-column methods—especially in sensitivity, read length, and biodiversity resolution in metagenomic sequencing. He also presented the new SwiftX™ DNA Water Kit (more info here), tailored specifically for environmental and wastewater samples.
“Mobile labs are no longer a future concept — they’re operational today. And with the right tools, we can move from water collection to sequencing in the field, at speed,” said Dr. Wende, Co-founder and CEO of Xpedite Diagnostics.
The live Q&A featured expert insights on sample preparation, microbial enrichment strategies, bioinformatic workflows, and field-readiness of different extraction formats.
Watch the full webinar recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTBzH9Y0dak
For more information, read the upcoming blog post: "Tracking Pathogens in the Flow: SwiftX, Nanopore, and the Frontlines of Wastewater Genomics"
To request presentation slides or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: info@xpedite-dx.com
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