Mast calls for swift action on swine flue testing

Mast has commented on the recent cases of swine influenza that have swept across the globe.

The company cites figures that suggest more than 150 people may have been killed by the disease, which it says should prompt people to take swift action.

It states the recently launched Seeplex range of multiplex PCR assay testing equipment can be useful in detecting a selection of viral pathogens – one of which is Influenza A.

Mast claims this particular pathogen covers a number of individual strains that include the H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1 human, swine and avian diseases.

"Using patented Dual Priming Oligonucleotide technology, the Seeplex range offers excellent specificity and sensitivity in an easy to use, rapid format," the company explains.

Official World Health Organisation figures put the number of deaths relating to swine influenza at seven. The larger figure was offered up by the Mexican government this week.