BD Diagnostics has announced the CE marking of the BD Probetec Qx amplified DNA assays to improve detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC).
The assays are for use on the BD Viper System with XTR technology, which enables laboratories to process a higher volume of tests automatically from swabs or urine samples, with less labour and more reliable results.
This improvement in process efficiency may lead to a higher number of accurate diagnoses and more appropriate patient care for the two most common sexually transmitted infections - Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.
If left untreated, these infections in women can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.
The fully automated system processes up to 736 patient samples in a single work shift.
It offers the least hands-on time for setup, sample extraction, workflow and maintenance.
One operator can fully execute all of the functions required to report results with several BD Viper Systems operating concurrently.
When tested with the BD Viper System with XTR technology, the BD Probetec CT Qx and GC Qx amplified DNA assays use BD proprietary ferric oxide, FOX Extraction, and Strand Displacement Amplification technologies for the direct, qualitative detection of CT and NG DNA.
The tests are performed on clinician-collected female endocervical and male urethral swab specimens, patient-collected vaginal swab specimens (in a clinical setting), and male and female urine specimens.
These assays are indicated for use with asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals to aid in the diagnosis of chlamydial and gonococcal urogenital disease.
