New 3M Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test Announced By 3M Health Care

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  Public Health
Article Date: 28 Apr 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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3M Health Care, a leader in infection prevention for more than 30 years, has announces plans to introduce the 3M™ Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test, a sensitive assay designed to deliver reliable, qualitative and objective electronic results in 15 minutes.

Expected to be available prior to the 2008-2009 flu season, the Rapid Detection Flu Test quickly delivers objective results through an easy-to-use self-timed reader. Requiring less than three minutes of prep time, positive or negative results are detected, differentiated as influenza A or B and displayed by the automated 3M™ Rapid Detection Reader. The fluorescent reader helps eliminate user interpretation errors, which can lead to both false negative or false positive results.

Additionally, the Rapid Detection Reader reads and stores test results which gives lab technicians more flexibility in time and test management by eliminating the critical test read time period required by all current flu tests. Its ability to export data further reduces potential for reporting error by eliminating the need for manual transfer of patient results.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, rapid testing of influenza allows for more appropriate infection management, including reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics, reducing the spread of infection within the health care environment and faster tracking and reporting.(1, 2)

"We are pleased to be launching the 3M™ Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test as our first U.S. product on the 3M Medical Diagnostics platform," said Jeff Hillins, Medical Diagnostics global business manager, 3M Medical Division. "This test's ability to provide objective results and its ability to read and store data helps address real pain points for hospital laboratories. As a highly contagious disease, quick and accurate diagnosis is essential to limit influenza spread, and may ultimately reduce costs and improve patient outcomes in the health care setting."

The Rapid Detection Flu Test is the first 3M diagnostic test to be launched following a 2006 agreement between 3M and Response Biomedical Corporation to develop and commercialize diagnostic products targeting hospital and community acquired infectious diseases using Response Biomedical's technology.

"The 3M™ Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test is a key addition to the growing number of trusted infection prevention solutions we offer the health care community," commented Chuck Kummeth, vice president and general manager, 3M Medical Division. "This is the first of several rapid diagnostic solutions we plan to bring to the marketplace that help hospitals improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and reduce the impact of resistant microbes."

Health and Economic Consequences of Flu

Influenza is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening viral respiratory infection affecting millions of Americans annually. Each year, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population becomes ill with "the flu".(3) Flu can lead to severe complications and results in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and approximately 36,000 deaths each year.(4) Influenza acquired in the hospital results in approximately $3,800 in extra charges per patient, according to one study.(5)

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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About 3M Health Care

Since inventing Ioban™ antimicrobial incise surgical drapes more than 30 years ago, 3M has been a worldwide leader in developing health care products and services that address infection control. 3M Health Care, one of 3M's six major business segments, is dedicated to improving the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care and is a leading provider of solutions for medical, oral care, drug delivery and health information markets.

About Response Biomedical

Response Biomedical develops, manufactures and markets rapid on-site diagnostic tests for use with its RAMP® Platform for clinical and environmental applications. RAMP® represents a new paradigm in diagnostics that provides high sensitivity and reliable information in minutes. It is ideally suited to both point-of-care testing and laboratory use. The RAMP® system consists of a fluorescent reader and single-use disposable test cartridges, and has the potential to be adapted to more than 250 medical and non-medical tests currently performed in laboratories. RAMP® clinical tests are commercially available for the early detection of heart attack and congestive heart failure.

3M and Ioban are trademarks of 3M.
RAMP is a trademark of Response Biomedical Corporation.

(1) Centers for Disease Control. Role of Laboratory Diagnosis of Influenza. Available at: http://www. cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/labrole.htm

(2) Centers for Disease Control. Interim Guidance for Influenza Diagnostic Testing During the 2006-07 Influenza Season. Available at: http://cdc.gov/flu/professionals/diagnosis/0607testingguide.htm

(3) CDC. Influenza: The Disease. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease.htm

(4) CDC. Influenza: The Disease. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease.htm

(5) Falsey A, Murata Y, Wash E. Impact of rapid diagnosis on management of adults hospitalized with influenza. Arch Intern Med. 2007; 167:354-360.

Source: Rebekah Brooks
WeissComm Partners