In order to provide faster identification of bloodstream pathogens, bioMérieux has agreed with AdvanDx, Inc. to sign an exclusive distribution agreement for the United States for AdvanDx's PNA FISH™ rapid diagnostic tests. These tests will be displayed at bioMérieux's booth from the opening of the American Society of Microbiology (ASM) in Toronto on May 22. AdvanDx, Inc.'s molecular-based tests provide rapid species identification of bacteria and yeast from positive blood cultures in less than three hours. This allows clinicians to make faster and more relevant therapy decisions that can improve antibiotic management, reduce hospital mortality, and reduce costs associated with bloodstream infections.

Based on the peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA FISH) technology, tests which are part of this agreement enable rapid identification of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis and other species from positive blood cultures.

PNA FISH is a qualitative nucleic acid hybridization assay intended for rapid identification of bacteria and yeast species from positive blood cultures. The 2.5 hours fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay uses fluorescence-labeled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes that target the species-specific ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in bacteria and yeast. Results are visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Fluorescing cells indicate the target species, while no fluorescence indicates another species is present in the positive blood culture.

A recent study performed by the University of Maryland Medical Center using S. aureus PNA FISH concluded that there was a significant reduction in median length of hospital stay, from six to four days. Additionally, there was a trend toward less vancomycin usage with a decrease in associated hospital costs of about $4,000 per patient. Each year more than 2 million discharge diagnoses include septicemia, bloodstream infections that can lead to severe sepsis, and result in significant hospital costs in the U.S. Rapid results from the microbiology lab are therefore critical to support appropriate therapy.