Mast recommends Eiken LoopAMP for norovirus detection

Mast has underlined the effectiveness of its Eiken LoopAMP Norovirus kit in combating the spread of norovirus across the UK.

The Health Protection Agency has issued figures showing that the number of norovirus cases is considerably higher than normal for this time of year, with peak season imminently approaching.

According to the company, the Mast Eiken LoopAMP kit can offer an ideal solution to this, using loop-mediated isothermal amplification to provide increased sensitivity and specificity compared to polymerase chain reaction-based testing.

It also utilises a simple three-step methodology that allows results to be produced using as little as 200 viral copies of sample material, eliminating the need for expensive specialist equipment.

"The ability to rapidly detect norovirus is imperative for patient management strategies, to control and contain the infection," said Mast.

Last month, the company attended the Scottish Microbiology Association's conference in Dundee, where it demonstrated a number of its newest products.