Prodesse Inc announces the results of in silico testing of its ProFlu+ Assay that demonstrate the Assay detects the currently circulating swine flu virus. 

ProFlu+ detects and differentiates Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV.  Prodesse is currently attempting to procure isolates so that reactivity with the swine flu strain can be confirmed.

Because ProFlu+ uses real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology, it is simple to use and easily integrates into existing lab workflow.  The product has been optimized for the use of automated extraction technology so that minimal hands-on time is required. 

A result can be obtained in as little as 3 hours using the assay – a significant improvement over culture-based methods which can take days to weeks for a result.  During a public health emergency, this speed to result is extremely important from an infection control perspective.

Health care professionals should consult the latest CDC guidelines for instructions on how best to handle suspected cases of swine flu.

A more detailed scientific explanation:

The Influenza A components of the assay are nearly a perfect sequence match to the swine flu. For highly-mutable viruses such as influenza, mismatches can be common and can detract from an assay’s capability to accurately detect the target organism.  However, ProFlu+ is designed to genetically conserved regions of the flu virus in anticipation of these common mutations and therefore remains reactive to the plethora of influenza strains. 

Source: Prodesse Inc