Rapid High-Throughput Instrument Characterizes Broad Groups of Organisms

A rapid, high-throughput instrument, along with three assays for use on the system identifies and characterizes broad groups of organisms without having to narrowly focus on detecting each organism individually.

The instrument, called the PLEX-ID, combines high levels of sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology with the precision and accuracy of mass spectrometry.

The three assays for use on the system are PLEX-ID Viral IC Spectrum, PLEX-ID BAC Spectrum BC, and PLEX-ID Flu. PLEX-ID, which is based on molecular diagnostic technologies, addresses a significant need for rapid detection and identification of a broad range of microbes that cause infections in patients. It provides results in less than eight hours instead of the days or even weeks required for traditional culture methods.

The technology has the advantage of being able to characterize a very wide range of microorganisms directly from clinical specimens, minimizing both the amount of time and laboratory work required to provide physicians information they can use to best tailor treatment for the patient.

"PLEX-ID is the only available diagnostic technology that is capable of identifying a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and certain parasites in hours," said Murthy Simhambhatla, PhD, head of Abbott's Ibis Biosciences (Carlsbad, CA, USA) business. "The introduction of the PLEX-ID provides physicians and laboratory workers [with] a new platform for the rapid etiologic identification of a wide variety of pathogens in patients."

The PLEX-ID and three new clinical tests by Abbott have obtained the CE marking. The PLEX-ID technology offers rapid detection and characterization of a wide range of pathogens, which can be extremely important in patients who have an impaired immune system such as those with cancer or patients who have had a transplant.

The PLEX-ID Viral IC Spectrum assay is designed to detect and identify 11 viral families with more than 250 species of systemic viral pathogens, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human adenovirus, human enterovirus, BK and JC polyomaviruses, and parvovirus B19, directly from plasma specimens. These viruses represent a significant threat to vulnerable patients with weakened immune systems.

Systemic viral infections are a serious problem, occurring in one out of every six transplant patients. Earlier detection can enable physicians to act more quickly to manage the patient’s infection.

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