Bruker Corporation has launched the FluoroType SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV winter four-plex PCR panel, which enables the sensitive and simultaneous detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, of both influenza A and B viruses, as well as of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The CE-IVD labelled FluoroType SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV panel has been validated for nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs and saliva samples.

The kit includes all reagents to generate up to 96 PCR result panels in under two hours after nucleic acid extraction. In evaluations, the sensitivity and specificity from 112 nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs have achieved 100% for all four viruses with very low limits of detection. In addition, the winter four-plex panel has also been validated with an RNA extraction-free protocol on 60 saliva samples with 100% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity. In large scale patient sampling and diagnostic use, sensitivity and specificity near 100% may not always be achievable, but swab and saliva PCR protocols remain the most sensitive assays.

Saliva samples are convenient for patients, e.g. during repeat surveillance or longitudinal testing. Saliva PCR testing is also resource-effective for clinical laboratories in case of extraction kit shortages, and time-to-result is shortened. For optimal performance from saliva, it is recommended not to eat, drink, brush teeth or rinse prior to sampling.

The FluoroType SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV panel can be used with Bruker´s high-precision FluoroCycler® XT real-time PCR system, or with other common real-time thermocyclers. It is validated for use on Bruker´s GenoXtract® (GXT) automated nucleic acid extraction devices with associated Bruker RNA extraction kits, and for Qiagen extraction chemistry, as well as for the saliva workflow without RNA extraction

Dr. Steffi Czieschnek, the Head of PCR Diagnostics at the Medical Healthcare Center (MVZ) for Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology in Suhl, Germany, explained: “For many months, Bruker´s high-quality FluoroType SARS-CoV-2 plus assay was our standard for COVID-19 testing. For the winter season, with an increased incidence of influenza infections, we also needed differentiation of multiple respiratory viruses in one test to avoid additional workload or costs. In an early access program, we have internally validated the FluoroType SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV panel, and we are very pleased with the performance of this winter four-plex panel, which we now use broadly for our respiratory disease samples.”

Dr. Wolfgang Pusch, Executive Vice President Microbiology & Diagnostics at Bruker Daltonics, commented: “We appreciate the positive customer feedback on the performance of our new FluoroType SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV panel. Compared to PCR assays that detect only the SARS-CoV-2 virus, our winter four-plex panel offers added value in a cost-effective workflow. Our clinical laboratory customers now also have the option of offering the saliva workflow for patient convenience, faster time-to-result, and reduced resource requirements without RNA extraction.”

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