Quidel Corporation, San Diego, has received FDA emergency use authorization to market its Sofia 2 Flu + SARS Antigen FIA. The rapid point-of-care test is used with the Sofia 2 Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer for the rapid, simultaneous qualitative detection and differentiation of the nucleocapsid protein antigens from SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, and influenza B in direct nasopharyngeal (NP) and nasal (NS) swab specimens from individuals suspected of respiratory viral infection consistent with covid-19 by their healthcare provider within the first 5 days of the onset of symptoms.
The new Sofia 2 Flu + SARS Antigen FIA offers excellent performance for SARS-2 (95.2% PPA versus PCR and 100% NPA versus PCR), as well as for influenza A (90% sensitivity versus culture and 95% specificity versus culture) and influenza B (89% sensitivity versus culture and 96% specificity versus culture) in nasal swabs. The Sofia test delivers a fast, highly accurate result for all three viruses from one swab sample in just 15 minutes.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic converges with seasonal influenza, public health experts face the potential for a ‘perfect storm’ of patients exhibiting similar but distinct medical conditions that require different treatment methods,” says Douglas Bryant, president and CEO of Quidel Corporation. “It is essential for doctors to know what they’re dealing with quickly.”
For more information, visit Quidel Corporation.
