Oxoid Offers Range Of Tests For Influenza Virus Types A And B

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Respiratory / Asthma;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 28 Nov 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Oxoid, a world leading microbiology brand, offers a range of valuable diagnostic tools for the detection of respiratory disease caused by influenza virus Types A and B. Rapid diagnosis of Influenza A or B virus infections plays an important role in patient management, influencing the use of antiviral therapy and enabling effective management and control of outbreaks.

Influenza virus infections peak in the winter months1 and remain a major health concern. The diagnostic challenge is exacerbated by the fact that symptoms of viral respiratory infections such as Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Adenovirus are often difficult to differentiate from those caused by other pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi. Since antiviral agents are being more commonly used, rapid identification of the causative agent is increasingly important to allow the correct treatment option to be determined.

The Xpect™ Flu A&B test detects and differentiates Influenza Types A and B directly from nose and throat swabs and provides a clearly visible result (see photograph) that is easily interpreted in just 20 minutes. No specialised equipment or expertise is required. The simplicity of the test makes it ideal for use in laboratories of any size or in a near patient setting, allowing medical professionals to test patients quickly in surgeries, community hospitals and care homes.

The IMAGEN™ Influenza virus A and B test is a qualitative direct immunofluorescence test for the detection and differentiation of Influenza A virus and Influenza B virus in clinical specimens or for the confirmation and differentiation of Influenza virus A and B in cell cultures. Monoclonal antibodies, specific to either Influenza virus Types A or B virus, are conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). These are used in a one-step, direct immunofluorescence technique. Specimens are incubated with the FITC conjugated antibody reagents for 15 minutes. The stained areas are mounted and viewed microscopically using epifluorescence illumination. If either Influenza virus Types A or B virus is present, the corresponding reagent produces a characteristic bright apple green fluorescence within the cytoplasm and nucleus of the cells, which contrasts with the red background staining of uninfected cells.

For further information please visit http://www.oxoid.com.

Oxoid is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science.

Reference:

1. HPA http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/default.htm2

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With an annual revenue rate of more than $10 billion, we employ 30,000 people and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. Thermo Scientific offers customers a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike.

Source:
Val Kane
Thermo Fisher Scientific