MRSA Rapid Screening Medium Launched
The MRSASelect Test was launched by Bio-Rad Laboratories. The laboratory tool is a chromogenic medium that allows laboratories to complete rapid screening for the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The company reported the product launch on their website.
The company received marketing clearance for the test in September of this year. The tool provides both high rates of sensitivity and specificity and can identify infection both directly and indirectly. Rapid results are revealed within a 24 hour period to identify patients who are carriers of MRSA.
MRSASelect is completed with nasal specimens from patients suspected of having the infection, the test can also be used to assess the presence of disease in healthcare workers. The specimen is placed in the chromogenic media, bacteria are identified based on the color reaction assessed during growth. The chromogenic media allows different microorganisms to be easily differentiated.
Recent data implicates MRSA in over 94,000 life-threatening infections and almost 19,000 deaths across the United States annually. Most cases of MRSA are related to the healthcare setting. This new test provides hospitals and other healthcare facilities with the opportunity to quickly identify individuals with MRSA colonization and minimize spread of disease.
The company also recently introduced a test to measure hemoglobin A1c which obtained a CLIA-waiver for use at the point of care setting. That product was also detailed on Hospital Buyer.
November 28, 2007 Related topics: Infectious Diseases, Laboratory, Product Launches, Product Approval & Certification, Laboratory Equipment, Diagnostic