Bio-Rad launches first fully automated multiplex test system for BioPlex 2200

Bio-Rad Laboratories has introduced its multiplex test system for autoimmune systemic vasculitis testing.

The BioPlex 2200 Vasculitis kit is "the first and only" fully automated kit for use on the BioPlex 2200 system, a platform that employs multiplexing technology to analyse multiple disease markers from individual patient samples.

The kit will be used to test for vasculitis – an autoimmune disease which causes the immune system to attack its own blood cells, leading to inflammation.

John Goetz, Bio-Rad vice president and group manager of Clinical Diagnostics, said: "The release of the Vasculitis kit is another example of Bio-Rad’s continued commitment to provide laboratories with more useful information, highly reproducible results, and faster result turnaround time."

He added that the kit will allow doctors to offer "enhanced patient management", reduce costs and optimise their operational efficiencies.

Bio-Rad Laboratories is a global manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products.

Established in 1952, it now works with more than 85,000 customers worldwide.