Comprehensive Influenza and Respiratory Virus Testing Service Launched

A new suite of tests identifies 2009 Influenza A H1N1, additional influenza subtypes, and other common respiratory viruses, such as rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

The suite of four tests was launched by ViraCor-IBT Laboratories (Lee's Summit, MO, USA) as part of its influenza and respiratory virus testing service. They include the xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP), which detects 12 common respiratory viruses; a ViraCor-IBT-developed test specifically designed to detect 2009 Influenza A H1N1; a test to help physicians distinguish between the Influenza A H1 and Influenza A H3 subtypes; and a test that identifies antiviral-resistant mutations of the 2009 Influenza A H1N1.

The new testing service offers physicians and laboratories several ordering options, including reflex testing, which allows ViraCor-IBT to perform a second test without having to contact the ordering physician. It provides fast, accurate results within 24 hours and will help physicians pinpoint the cause of an infection, reduce unnecessary use of antivirals, and improve patient care.

"Correctly diagnosing a respiratory viral infection from a patient's symptoms alone is very difficult because most respiratory viruses cause very similar symptoms. The only way to be certain which pathogen is causing the infection is to run a laboratory test,” said Steve Kleiboeker, Ph.D., CSO for the combined ViraCor-IBT Laboratories. "With the emergence of antiviral-resistant viruses and new pathogens such as the pandemic Influenza A H1N1, testing for respiratory viruses has never been more important.”

All of ViraCor-IBT's respiratory virus testing options became available on September 1, 2009, except the 2009 Influenza A H1N1 antiviral resistance test, which is expected to be available later in the month.

ViraCor Laboratories and IBT Laboratories (Lenexa, KS, USA) merged in June 2009 to form a specialty diagnostics laboratory. The combined company specializes in cellular, immunology, and allergy testing services as well as molecular assays that detect and monitor microbial pathogens.

Related Links:
ViraCor-IBT Laboratories
IBT Laboratories