Molecular Diagnostic Detects 12 Major Respiratory Viruses and Subtypes

A novel molecular diagnostic product detects 12 major respiratory viruses and subtypes simultaneously, from one patient sample.

xTAG respiratory virus panel (RVP) is a test that, with a single patient sample, can assess the presence or absence of 12 viral targets and provide qualitative results in a few hours. Traditional testing for this many viruses requires multiple individual diagnostic tests to be performed on a patient sample and can take several days to provide a thorough diagnosis. The speed and reliability of xTAG RVP will help physicians provide appropriate treatment, and prevent inappropriate antibiotic use that has contributed to the creation of dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

With a non-invasive, painless swab, xTAG RVP tests for influenza A, influenza A-H1, influenza A-H3, and influenza B, which cause the majority of flu cases in the United States; adenovirus, which is responsible for approximately 10% of respiratory infections, and a subtype of which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, GA, USA) have recently identified as causing multiple deaths; respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and children; metapneumovirus, a recently-discovered virus that causes flu-like symptoms and is thought to be the second leading cause of respiratory infection in children; Parainfluenza 1, 2, and 3, which can cause upper or lower respiratory infections in adults and children and, are thought to be responsible for about half of croup cases and 10-15% of bronchiolitis and bronchitis cases; and rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.

ViraCor Laboratories (Kansas City, MO, USA), a specialty molecular diagnostic reference laboratory, is the first national reference laboratory to offer the xTAG RVP, which is was created by Luminex Molecular Diagnostics (Toronto, Canada) and built on that company's flexible xMAP technology. The molecular assay has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville, MD, USA).

"We are extremely proud to offer the xTAG RVP assay immediately following FDA clearance and just in time for the flu season,” said John Martin, president of ViraCor Laboratories. "This groundbreaking assay, coupled with our 24-hour turnaround time, will greatly improve a doctor's ability to provide the best patient care possible, as well as a cost-effective solution to respiratory virus testing.”

ViraCor Laboratories is a molecular diagnostic and research laboratory focused on providing innovative diagnostic testing to the critical care and immunocompromised patient population, with expertise in infectious diseases including viruses, protozoa, and fungi.


Related Links:
ViraCor Laboratories
Luminex Corp.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration