Menarini Diagnostics Launches New Molecular Test That Distinguishes Between COVID-19 and Flu in 20 Minutes

A. Menarini Diagnostics (Florence, Italy) has introduced a new test that, with a single diagnostic test and a single swab, can identify if the patient is positive for COVID-19 or if they have contracted the Influenza A or B viruses.

The test is carried out on the VitaPCR platform, the Point of Care instrument mainly used for the molecular diagnosis of COVID-19, which has been distributed by Menarini since last April and is already being used in hundreds of European facilities and with over 1,400 units placed. With the use of a new kit containing specific reagents, these same devices will, therefore, be able to detect, in just 20 minutes and with great precision, not only SARS-CoV2 viral RNA, but also influenza A and B. Thanks to the use of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology, the instrument meets the highest standards of precision and reliability. In addition to being a valid support for healthcare systems, the use of these tests will allow healthcare authorities to avoid preventive isolation of the patient in cases of influenza and, in COVID cases, to promptly initiate the protocol outlined by governments.

The new kit, CE marked is already available and distributed by Menarini in Italy, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

"In the coming months, we will see an increase in people with flu-like symptoms that could be attributed to either a SARS-CoV-2 infection or influenza A and B,", said Fabio Piazzalunga, General Manager of Menarini Diagnostics, "This test is of fundamental importance for immediate diagnosis and getting patients the most appropriate treatment promptly."

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