BD launches new gonorrhoea testing assay in Europe

BD has announced the launch of its new BD MAX GC rt PCR assay, which has received European CE Mark approval.

An in vitro diagnostic test intended for testing for the presence Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it is designed for use with the BD ProbeTec GC Qx Amplified DNA Assay and the BD Viper System with XTR Technology.

It may be used with residual male or female urine specimens, or residual endocervical, vaginal or male urethral swab specimens that have tested positive using the BD ProbeTec GC Qx Amplified DNA Assay.

This will facilitate the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeaeis, which is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the world.

Alberto Mas, president of diagnostic systems at BD Diagnostics, said: "This new assay is a great addition to our existing solutions and provides an important tool to laboratorians and clinicians to improve the management of sexually transmitted infections."

This comes after the firm received US approval for the launch of a respiratory syncytial virus test last month.