The 2.5 hours fluorescence in situ hybridisation (Fish) assay uses fluorescence-labelled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes that target the species-specific ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in bacteria and yeast
Panagene and AdvanDx have entered into an exclusive supply agreement under which Panagene will manufacture PNA probes for incorporation into AdvanDx's PNA Fish in vitro diagnostic products.
AdvanDx's molecular-based tests provide rapid species identification of bacteria and yeast from positive blood cultures in less than three hours.
The rapid results support clinicians in making faster and more relevant therapy decisions that can improve antibiotic management, reduce hospital mortality, and reduce costs associated with bloodstream infections.
A series of new products incorporating PNA probes manufactured by Panagene was introduced at the American Society of Microbiology 2007 meeting in Toronto.
"After a thorough evaluation we are delighted to elect Panagene as the supplier of PNA probes for our PNA Fish diagnostic products," said Thais Johansen, president and CEO of AdvanDx.
"The high quality and timely delivery of the probes contributes to the quality of AdvanDx's tests for rapid identification of a broad range of bloodstream pathogens to its customers.
Sung Kee Kim, president of Panagene, said: "We are pleased to manufacture and supply PNA probes to AdvanDx for incorporation into its lifesaving products.
"The selection of Panagene by AdvanDx further validates the superior nature of our PNA synthesis and purification capabilities, and we are now established as the world leader in the production of high quality PNA probes for research and diagnostic applications".
PNA Fish is a qualitative nucleic acid hybridisation assay intended for rapid identification of bacteria and yeast species from positive blood cultures.
Results are visualised using fluorescence microscopy.
Fluorescing cells indicate the target species, while no fluorescence indicates another species is present in the positive blood culture.
