BD receives CE Mark approval for BD MAX MRSA XT assay

BD has announced that its BD MAX MRSA XT assay has been granted CE Mark approval and is now available in Europe.

The assay uses eXTended detection technology to accurately identify a broad range of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains from nasal swabs taken from patients who may be infected with this drug-resistant pathogen.

It is the only fully-automated molecular assay for MRSA active surveillance that detects mecA and the recently discovered mecC, specific targets found in MRSA and drug-resistance genes.

The device has been optimised to provide more accurate detection and fewer false positives, thereby helping to prevent transmission of new MRSA strains and reducing healthcare costs. 

Dr Patrick Murray, worldwide director of scientific affairs for diagnostic systems at BD, said: "Assay design is critical to detect MRSA accurately and ensure that appropriate infection control interventions are applied."

This comes after the firm also received CE Mark approval for the new automated Totalys MultiProcessor system earlier this month.