MAST have launched the innovative Seeplex Flu A ACE kit for the subtyping of influenza A strains. The first kit of its kind to market, the Seeplex Flu A ACE offers confirmation of Influenza A infection and differentiates with the following markers:

• Detection of influenza A


• Influenza A subtype seasonal H1 (Human H1)


• Influenza A subtype seasonal H3 (Human H3)


• Influenza A subtype avian H5 (Avian H5)


• New Influenza A subtype H1 (Swine H1)

The major benefit of being able to differentiate Influenza A subtypes is that therapy can be targeted for more appropriate use. The guidelines for antiviral drug prescriptions are:

• 2009 pandemic H1: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza)


• Seasonal H1: Amantadine, Rimantidine


• Seasonal H3: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza)


• Avian H5: Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza)

The Seeplex group of products offers customers a single platform for multiple test parameters. The Flu A ACE is the latest in the range of Seeplex products which includes multiplex assays for respiratory viruses (5,12 & 15), meningitis, diarrhoea and STI´s amongst others. The simple to use, rapid, easily integrated platform enables laboratories to implement a lean testing protocol that can reduce hands-on time, staff training and also help make best use of laboratory space.