Lab 21 announces the launch of a revolutionary new assay able to detect any virus from a panel of 20 distinct respiratory viruses using multiplex detection technology
The respiratory virus panel (RVP) assay was developed by TM Biosciences which recently received CE Mark approval for its use in clinical diagnostic procedures.
The assay is currently in the final stages of validation at Lab21's advanced testing laboratory based at its Cambridge facility and will be available to all customers including private clinics and NHS hospitals beginning in mid January 2007.
The RVP is a proprietary test that simultaneously detects up to 20 distinct viral sequences and subtypes that represent more than 95 percent of all clinically relevant respiratory viruses in adults and children.
Viruses detected using the assay include respiratory syncytial virus A and B, influenza A and B and viruses important in patient management and pandemic surveillance, such as Sars and influenza A H5 (the subtype associated with avian influenza).
Lab 21 has a separate identification test which can confirm positive H5N1 samples.
Results for all of these viruses can be provided within 24 hours of receipt of sample in the Lab 21 laboratory.
Jerry Walker CEO of Lab 21 stated: "We are delighted to be able to offer this important service and have been working with our existing customers to assess the performance of the test in our molecular diagnostics laboratory in Cambridge.
"We will be marketing the service from January 2007 onwards in time for peak 'flu season".
Berwyn Clarke, CSO of Lab 21 added: "Our ability to offer another gold-standard service is testament to our efforts to develop Lab21 into a leading UK clinical reference laboratory and enhances our already strong position in virology yet further.
"The real value of this test lies in its ability to identify those respiratory viral infections for which therapeutic intervention is currently available while, at the same time, it provides a rapid and sensitive tool for epidemiologic studies."
