Abbott launches Iridica infectious disease testing platform

Abbott has announced the European launch of its new CE Mark-approved infectious disease testing platform Iridica.

The system is capable of identifying more than 1,000 infection-causing pathogens in less than six hours, whereas this can take days when using culture-based testing, the current standard of care.

It uses a combination of sophisticated testing technologies known as polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry to rapidly identify infection-causing pathogens directly from a patient's sample, without the need for culture.

The platform currently offers five testing panels for pathogens that cause infections in the critically ill. Its superior detection capabilities will also help to reduce the overuse of antibiotics.

Dr David Ecker, divisional vice-president for research and development for Abbott's Ibis Biosciences business, said: "Iridica can offer a better and faster way to detect and identify pathogens that cause serious infections and aid physicians in diagnosing and managing the critically ill."

In October, the company expanded its medical devices business with the acquisition of Topera, a developer of catheter-based electrophysiology solutions.