Rapid Detection of Flu A+B
Requires little preparation
The Veritor System from BD Diagnostics, San Diego, offers labs advanced performance and reliable results for detecting influenza A+B from liquid samples such as nasopharyngeal wash, aspirate, and swab BD A_Bin transport media specimens. It offers a combination of speed, accuracy, and convenience with an objective read that physicians and clinical laboratory professionals can trust. The assay reports performance measured against PCR results. This system incorporates the company’s Advanced Detection Particle and Adaptive Read Technology. This combination of technologies offers users a convenient workflow requiring little sample preparation, no sample incubation required prior to running the test, and a 10-minute period to run the test. This test kit is specifically configured for testing liquid specimens. BD offers a separate CLIA-waived kit designed for swab specimens.
BD Diagnostics
(800) 638-8656; www.bd.com

Real-Time PCR Instrument
For use with CDC human influenza virus
The 7500 Fast Dx Real-Time PCR Instrument from Life Technologies Inc, Carlsbad, Calif, is a 96-well, LifeTech 7500_Fast_Dxfive-color, real-time PCR instrument. The instrument received 510(k) clearance from the FDA in 2009 for use with the CDC human influenza virus, real-time RT-PCR detection and characterization panel (RT-PCR Flu Panel), and Quidel’s Molecular Influenza A+B and hMPV assays. Its fast mode completes runs in less than 40 minutes, and the instrument accommodates tube strips, which can be capped immediately after pipetting each sample. Security features such as user login, user-permission settings, system auditing, and e-signature approvals are customizable to a range of security needs.
Life Technologies Inc
(800) 955-6288; www.lifetechnologies.com

Sofia Influenza A+B FIA
Utilizes immunofluorescence technology
The Sofia Influenza A+B FIA test from Quidel Corp, San Diego, is a next-generation rapid diagnostics test that uses advanced Quidel Sofia_Fluimmunofluorescence technology to detect influenza A and influenza B viral nucleoprotein antigens from nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swap (NPS), and NPA/wash samples. The test is run on the Sofia Analyzer, a multitest platform designed to alleviate challenges faced by labs. Sofia offers objective test results to help reduce operator variability. Different work modes provide flexibility to meet the demand of varying test volumes, accommodate various work environments, and optimize workflow. Multiple fail-safe features including user lockout, on-board quality control, and automatic calibration assure proper operation of the analyzer. The test is CLIA-waived for nasal swabs and nasopharyngeal swabs.
Quidel Corp
(800) 874-1517; www.quidel.com

System for Rapid Detection of Flu A+B
Designed for swab specimens
The BD Veritor System from BD Diagnostics, San Diego, provides a new approach for CLIA-waived rapid tests for influenza A+B. This system incorporates the company’s Adaptive Read Technology, helping BD VeritorSWABreduce false-positive results by examining the sample and compensating for many of the effects of nonspecific binding to help deliver a more accurate read. The Reader eliminates the need for visual-read and subjective interpretation by providing objective results on an easy-to-read digital display. This combination of technologies offers users a convenient workflow requiring little sample preparation and no sample incubation required prior to running the test. The test device is ready to insert into the Reader 10 minutes after sample is added. This was the first rapid influenza test system that incorporates a digital readout of results to receive CLIA waiver.
BD Diagnostics
(800) 638-8656; www.bd.com

Universal Transport Medium
Swab improves collection and release performance
The Universal Transport Medium (UTM-RT) from Puritan Medical Products Company, Guilford, Me, will help labs maximize the efficiencies of viral specimen Puritan UTM_Homepagecollection and processing during the next flu season. The company now offers a multipurpose UTM-RT medium suitable for a variety of assays in clinical labs, including viral culture, real-time PCR, molecular assays, DFA, and EIA tests. Combined with advanced flocked-swab technology, the patented PurFlock Ultra swab is designed to significantly improve specimen collection and release performances. The ready-to-use UTM-RT transport system has a shelf life of 18 months and is manufactured in the United States.
Puritan Medical Products Company
(800) 321-2313; www.puritandiagnostics.com

RVP Assay
Detects 12 most common viruses and subtypes
The xTAG RVP assay from Luminex Corp, Austin, Tex, is designed for use on the versatile Luminex Luminex RVP__ML023100/200 instrument. It provides comprehensive detection of 12 of the most commonly circulating viruses and subtypes, including influenza A, influenza A subtype H1, H3, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtype A and B, human metapneumovirus (hMVP), parainfluenza 1 to 3, rhinovirus, and adenovirus. The assay was released in May.
Luminex Corp
(512) 219-8020; www.luminexcorp.com

Real-Time RT-PCR assay
Detects influenza A, B, and RSV
Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV from Focus Diagnostics, Cypress, Calif, is a real-time RT-PCR assay for the in Focusdx Simplexa_Fluvitro qualitative detection and discrimination of influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This FDA-cleared assay is designed for use on the 3M Integrated Cycler, a scalable instrument that uses less than 1 square foot of lab bench space. Labs can batch runs with other Simplexa tests that use the Universal Disc, up to 96 reactions per run, and receive results in about an hour.
Focus Diagnostics Inc
(562) 240-6500; www.focusdx.com

 

System for Rapid Detection of RSV
Results in 10 minutes
The FDA-cleared BD Veritor System for the Rapid Detection of RSV from BD Diagnostics, San Diego, provides reliable test results in about 10 minutes
fBD VeritorSWABrom nasopharyngeal wash, aspirate, and swab in transport media specimens. Early and reliable detection of 
RSV is critical among high-risk populations to treat and prevent the spread of this contagious virus. The system helps deliver an accurate read by providing reliable, objective results on a handheld reader with an easy-to-read digital display. The system utilizes Advanced Particle and Adaptive Read Technologies coupled with a special handheld analyzer. The Advanced Particle Technology helps improve the sensitivity of the test while the Adaptive Read Technology helps reduce false-positive results by examining and compensating for many of the effects of nonspecific binding.
BD Diagnostics
(800) 638-8656; www.bd.com

 

QuickVue Influenza A+B Test
Results seen in 10 minutes or less
The QuickVue Influenza A+B test from Quidel Corp, San Diego, detects and differentiates influenza type A and type B antigens directly from nasal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, nasal wash, and/or nasal aspirate Quidel QV_Fluspecimens. The CLIA-waived test detects the highly conserved antigens in the viral nucleoproteins and is not adversely affected by the appearance of different influenza strains. It is a user-friendly test that has one step (nasal wash/aspirate), three steps (nasal/nasopharyngeal swab), and uses one reagent. Results are seen in 10 minutes or less with 90 seconds hands-on time. A color-coded procedure card helps demonstrate each step of the test. The kit contains everything needed to run the test, as well as both positive and negative controls, and may be stored at room temperature with a 24-month shelf life from date of manufacture. A single sample can be used to run both the QuickVue Influenza A+B test and the QuickVue RSV 10 test.
Quidel Corp
(800) 874-1517; www.quidel.com

Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV Direct
Samples loaded directly on disc
Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV Direct from Focus Diagnostics, Cypress, Calif, is a real-time RT-PCR assay. Focusdx Simplexa_FABR_DirectPatient samples are loaded directly onto the eight-well Direct Amplification Disc without the need for extraction. Influenza A, influenza B, and RSV can be detected and differentiated in about an hour. The assay is designed for use on the 3M Integrated Cycler, a scalable, real-time PCR instrument that uses less than 1 square foot of lab bench space. Laboratories can set up a run in three steps.
Focus Diagnostics Inc
(562) 240-6500; www.focusdx.com