Abbott receives CE Mark approval for Plex-ID

Abbott has been granted European CE Mark approval for its rapid high-throughput Plex-ID molecular system.

The advanced analytical instrument is being launched along with three assays for use with the system: Plex-ID Viral IC Spectrum, Plex-ID BAC Spectrum BC and Plex-ID Flu.

It is able to provide diagnostic results in less than eight hours, compared to days or weeks for traditional culture methods, while it is also able to characterise a wide range of microorganisms directly from clinical specimens.

The device's flexibility and speed addresses an unmet need among life science customers, minimising the amount of time and work required to provide physicians with important information.

Dr Murthy Simhambhatla, head of Abbott's Ibis Biosciences business, said: "The introduction of Plex-ID provides physicians and laboratorians with a revolutionary new platform for the rapid etiologic identification of a wide variety of pathogens in patients."

Last month, the company provided new details on its plans to separate into two separate organisations later this year, with its newly separate pharmaceuticals division to take the name AbbVie.