NHS Fife has selected Fast-track diagnostics Respiratory 21 assay for the identification of respiratory viruses in its laboratories.

The assay will assist NHS Fife in delivering fast and accurate diagnoses to hundreds of patients.

Fast-track diagnostics develops and manufactures more than 60 different assays in 32 and 64 reaction kit sizes, detecting more than 150 different pathogens. With its multiplexed approach, Fast-track diagnostics kits enable the simple, rapid detection of most of the clinically relevant pathogens present in a sample. The kits are a cost-effective way of delivering a comprehensive diagnostic service and streamlining laboratory workflow and are compatible with a wide range of open-system thermo cyclers.

In the comparison study in Fife, a set of 68 samples were tested using the Fast-track diagnostics Respiratory 21 assay and a competitor assay. Both multiplex real-time PCR kits detected the same wide range of viruses, and the Fast-track diagnostics assay detected a positive Rhinovirus and Adenovirus missed by the competitor assay. In addition the Fast-track diagnostics multiplex includes the detection of Mycosplasma and Parechovirus and so was selected for routine use. Furthermore, the shorter assay time (2.5 hours from sample to result), made it possible to perform two runs per day with a high level of accuracy and reliability.

“NHS Fife is continually looking to improve upon existing diagnostic methods to offer the best possible service to clinicians and patients,” said Bob Jones, BMS Professional Manager at NHS Fife. “The shorter assay times streamline our workflow and the increased number of pathogens detected allows for greater accuracy and clinical relevance. Overall the Respiratory 21 assay from Fast-track diagnostics showed considerable advantages enabling more effective patient care and treatment”.

more about fast-track diagnostics