AdvanDx, Inc. has introduced PNA FISH to the Clinical Labs at Michael Reese Hospital (Chicago) and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa).

PNA FISH, Peptide Nucleic Acid Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization, enables genetic speciation of bacteria and yeast from blood culture bottles within 2.5 hours of the Gram stain.

This rapid identification helps physicians choose antibiotic and antifungal therapies more effectively.

Three PNA FISH tests are available for in vitro diagnostic use to identify Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis. All are reimbursable by CPT Code 87149.

Data on using PNA FISH have been presented by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Inova Fairfax and the Lahey Clinic among others and at the 104th meeting of the American Society of Microbiology 6 posters on the use of the tests were presented.