Original from: 360dx

BioMérieux announced Tuesday that its multiplex Biofire Spotfire Respiratory/Sore Throat Panel has received Health Canada approval.

The PCR-based test detects and identifies nucleic acids from up to 15 of the most common bacteria, viruses, and viral subtypes responsible for respiratory infections or sore throat in about 15 minutes. It runs on samples from nasopharyngeal or throat swabs, depending on whether a respiratory tract infection is suspected.

The panel detects adenovirus, seasonal coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus/enterovirus, influenza A, influenza A subtype H3 and subtype H1-2009, influenza B, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2. It also detects Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, Bordetella parapertussis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae (group C/G strep), and Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep).

The test and the Spotfire platform are intended to be used by non-laboratory professionals in any clinical setting, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, urgent care centers, and remote centers, BioMérieux said in a statement. 

"Our priority is to implement impactful solutions that enhance patient care and reduce care disparity," Colin Hill, BioMérieux's general manager of clinical operations in North America, said in a statement. "This approval furthers our commitment to bringing innovative solutions even closer to patients."

Source: BioMérieux Nabs Health Canada Approval for Respiratory, Sore Throat Panel