Multi-Analytic Test Detects Three Human Parasite Antigens

A parasite multi-analyte diagnostics test kit detects three intestinal parasites from human stool specimens--Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Entamoeba histolytica. The three parasites, which can cause health-threatening diarrhea, are transmitted through contaminated food or water, and are found worldwide.

The Plexus parasite test detects parasite antigens extracted from a stool specimen using an immunoassay in which three different specific antibodies bind and identify parasite(s) present in the sample. The test result is read on a Luminex (Austin, TX, USA) instrument, which uses Plexus software to calculate and report results.

Focus Diagnostics (Cypress, CA, USA) a wholly owned subsidiary of Quest Diagnostics, Inc., plans to add more multiplex antibody and antigen detection panels to its Plexus Multi-Analyte Diagnostics line of immunoassay products. The Plexus parasite antigen test is the fourth Plexus multiplex immunoassay product to be launched by the company since 2007, following the Plexus HerpeSelect test kit and two Plexus EBV test kits.

The Plexus Parasite diagnostic test has been Conformité Européene (CE)-marked for distribution to approximately 30 countries in Europe. The company also expects to provide the test to distributors for sale to areas of the developing world. In addition, the company intends to apply for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville, MD, USA) clearance to market the Plexus Parasite test kit in the United States where sporadic outbreaks of parasitic infections have occurred.


Related Links:
Focus Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics
U.S. Food and Drug Administration