European Union approval for Plex-ID

Abbott Laboratories has obtained European Union approval to market its rapid, Plex-ID instrument, along with three assays for use on the system.

Photo: European Union approval for Plex-ID

Plex-ID, which is based on molecular diagnostic technologies, addresses a need for rapid detection and identification of a broad range of microbes that cause infections in patients. It provides results in less than eight hours instead of the days or even weeks required for traditional culture methods, Abbott said.

"Ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate antimicrobial therapy as rapidly as possible has the potential to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, and help to reduce or slow the development of resistant bacterial strains," said Dr. Jacques Schrenzel, head of the Bacteriological Laboratory, University Hospital Geneva in Geneva, Switzerland.

"Plex-ID is the only available diagnostic technology that is capable of identifying a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi and certain parasites in hours," said Murthy Simhambhatla, head of Abbott's Ibis Biosciences business. "The introduction of the Plex-ID provides physicians and laboratorians a revolutionary new platform for the rapid etiologic identification of a wide variety of pathogens in patients."

Abbott said the system can detect and identify nearly 400 species of bacteria, and also can detect the presence of genetic markers that determine bacterial resistance to certain antibiotics. In addition, the test can identify and classify species of Candida, a fungus that is an increasingly common cause of serious systemic infections. The assay performs this analysis on blood culture positive specimens.

Ibis Biosciences was acquired by Abbott in January 2009 with the focus to deliver an innovative approach to the detection and characterization of a broad array of microorganisms and to contribute to Abbott's expanding role in molecular testing.
 

19.04.2012

Read all latest stories

Related articles

Photo

News •

Cautiously optimistic

Despite a slight drop in sales in 2013 compared to the previous year, for 2014 the German medical diagnostics manufacturers anticipate a positive business development, according to the trend…

Photo

Article •

Carefully selected devices reward MHH with 50% cost cuts

In intensive care units (ICUs) little can be automated to relieve staff pressures – with the exception of point of care testing (POCT)

Photo

Article •

Omron builds partnerships to expand personalised health lines

R&D is the core strength at Omron Healthcare, a leader in medical and home healthcare products with innovative technologies. At Medica the company is on the hunt for new partners to extend its…

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter