Akonni’s innovations include a next-generation PCR assay that integrates hundreds of unique hydrophilic porous gel drops directly into the PCR reaction, markedly enhancing the sensitivity. In brief, fluorescently-labeled amplicons, which are generated from the PCR reaction, hybridize to hundreds of unique gel drops, each capable of reporting a specific genetic signature, while remaining in the PCR mastermix solution. These gel drops are spatially segregated by “printing” them directly on a low-cost off-the-shelf film – without chemical modifications or surface treatments. The highly hydrophilic three-dimensional structure of the gel drops promotes solution-phase kinetics, and immobilization of a high concentration of probes enables high sensitivity. A PCR-compatible adhesive was also developed that allows assembly of the test strip as a laminate, as opposed to ultrasonic welding of injection-molded cartridges, so that it too can be produced with reel-to-reel manufacturing. Additionally, this “Lab-on-a-Film” test strip does not require valves or other components to segregate the liquids during PCR from the waste chamber.