Luminex launches xTAG™ Respiratory Viral Panel
Luminex Molecular Diagnostics, a division of Luminex Corporation, has launched xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP), an assay for the detection of multiple viral types and subtypes, including influenza, metapneumovirus and adenovirus. xTAG has been developed in association with a team of leading virologists and infectious disease specialists. The test can assess 12 viral targets at once and provide qualitative results in just few hours. The test has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE mark for sale in Europe.
xTAG RVP was developed using LMD’s Universal Array which operates on the Luminex xMAP® system, a bioassay detection platform that can detect up to 100 different analytes simultaneously. The system uses lasers to read colour-coded microspheres that attach to specific nucleic acid sequences.
A doctor collects a sample containing viruses from a patient’s nasal cavity, throat, sinuses or bronchi. Nucleic acid is taken out from viruses found in the sample. Samples are then placed in a Luminex xMAP® instrument, where beads are read and analysed by lasers. The lasers identify the colour of the bead that is specific to a virus or subtype, and the presence or absence of the labeled primer. If a particular virus is present, the associated software identifies that as positive.
xTAG RVP facilitates physicians to determine whether a patient has cold, flu or another virus and to prescribe an effective treatment. The assay assists doctors in better decision-making in patient management, besides helping in limiting the spread of infection. This test will aid in reducing the overuse of antibiotics, which results into creating antibiotic resistant bacteria or superbugs.
