QuickFISHâ„¢ is a new molecular diagnostic technology, from AdvanDx, that significantly advances time-to-result and ease-of-use. Providing species identification of bacteria directly from positive blood cultures in just 20 minutes, it will help clinicians, consultant microbiologists and hospital pharmacists greatly improve antibiotic therapy for patients with dangerous bacterial pathogen infections.Earlier identification of the cause of bloodstream infections will ensure better patient outcome, reduced hospital stays and lower treatment costs.

The QuickFISH range was launched with Staphylococcus QuickFISH, a duplex assay that distinguishes between S. aureus and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus. With the addition of the new Enterococcus QuickFISH assay the AdvanDx QuickFISH portfolio can identify the most common pathogens causing Healthcare Acquired Infections.

Enterococcus infections are frequently caused by E. faecium and E. faecalis, but the differing antibiotic resistance profiles between these species can make selection of the appropriate antimicrobial therapy challenging. Enterococcus QuickFISH enables rapid differentiation between E faecalis and other Enterococci in just 20 minutes.

The Staphylococcus QuickFISH and Enterococcus QuickFISH assays have both received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and completed the European IVD CE mark requirements.

Additional QuickFISH assays for identification of other clinically important microbial species are currently in development. Alpha Laboratories is the exclusive UK distributor for AdvanDx and is working together with healthcare professionals to help improve patient care and reduce overall medical costs in the United Kingdom.