The SPARKbiom test can accurately identify over 50,000 different organisms in a sample, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This level of comprehensiveness is unattainable for traditional tests such as cultures or standard PCR tests, which are limited to detecting a much smaller number of pathogens. In comparison, the standard PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) is restricted to detecting only those organisms for which specific DNA primers have been designed and used in a given test (typically ranging from a few to several dozen). Traditional diagnostic methods, capable of identifying only a limited number of species, prove inadequate and overlook a significant majority of the organisms present in the microbiome. The SPARKbiom test enables the identification of the full species composition of the microbiome.

The SPARKbiom test can accurately identify over 50,000 different organisms in a sample, including bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This level of comprehensiveness is unattainable for traditional tests such as cultures or standard PCR tests, which are limited to detecting a much smaller number of pathogens. In comparison, the standard PCR method (polymerase chain reaction) is restricted to detecting only those organisms for which specific DNA primers have been designed and used in a given test (typically ranging from a few to several dozen). Traditional diagnostic methods, capable of identifying only a limited number of species, prove inadequate and overlook a significant majority of the organisms present in the microbiome. The SPARKbiom test enables the identification of the full species composition of the microbiome.

Effective microbiome analysis requires recognizing organisms at the species level. Without this, it is impossible to distinguish whether an organism in the microbiome is a pathogen (disease-causing) or a probiotic (beneficial). A common example is the inability to differentiate between Streptococcus thermophilus (probiotic) and Streptococcus pyogenes (pathogen).

Key to species identification are long sequence fragments, the largest sequence database, and the most accurate identification algorithm, which is the reference BLAST. Our SPARKbiom test meets these requirements by utilizing all sequences available at the beginning of 2024, over 1 million, along with advanced algorithms equivalent to BLAST, ensuring precise identification.

Second-generation sequencing uses short sequences, making it impossible to distinguish organisms at the species level. Commercially available third-generation technologies, although they use long reads, typically have a limited database of around 30,000 sequences and rely on less accurate algorithms like Centrifuge.

SPARK-TECH was founded in 2015 in Krakow to support the development of the healthcare sector through innovative solutions in biotechnology, bioinformatics, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The company has received numerous awards and grants from European Union agencies (HORIZON 2020) and Polish agencies (NCBR, PARP). As part of its research and development activities, a prototype robot for blood cell isolation was created, and a proprietary microbiome sequencing technology was developed.

In 2021, by decision of the Minister of Climate and Environment, the SPARK-TECH biotechnology laboratory obtained the status of a genetic engineering facility, with the ability to use genetically modified microorganisms classified as biosafety level II in a contained environment.

In 2022, the company launched a DNA sequencing service for universities, probiotic manufacturing companies, and livestock diagnostics.

In 2023, SPARK-TECH Diagnostics Laboratory was registered by the Voivode of Małopolska in the Registry of Entities Performing Medical Activities to provide DNA sequencing services for patients. This marks a significant step forward in the field of personalized medicine and treatment strategies.