|
Currently, the majority of viral testing is done using either Enzyme immunoassay (EIA), Direct Fluorescent Antibody (DFA) or cell culture. EIA and DFA are tests that use specially tagged antibodies to detect a specific disease-causing agent. Both EIA and DFA provide relatively quick results. However, EIA can only test for one virus at a time and DFA can test for only a few more. EIA tests generally demonstrate sensitivities of >60% and false negatives are likely, and while specificities are high, false positives are common.¹
For more detailed results - or to verify the results of EIA or DFA tests - laboratory technicians often perform cell culture; however, cell cultures take from two to 10 days and usually detect one or at most a handful of viruses.
Molecular methods of testing for respiratory viruses also exist. Most of these methods involve the amplification of nucleic acid through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine whether a given virus is present or absent. Many labs offer their own molecular assays, developed in-house, which typically test for a single pathogen in 2-3 hours.
As a result, most viruses are either tested for one at a time using sensitive and costly methods that require a high level of technical expertise; or, are tested for with slow or less sensitive technologies. Therefore there is a clear need for a simple test that can detect the presence - or confirm the absence - of a broad range of viruses quickly and cost effectively.
Luminex's xTAG™ Respiratory Viral Panel meets these needs. Fast, cost effective and comprehensive, xTAG RVP is a refreshing change from the assays you're used to.
1. FDA cautions in using rapid tests for detecting influenza A viruses.
|
