PerkinElmer launches immunodeficiency test for newborns

PerkinElmer has announced the groundbreaking launch of the first commercially available screening test for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in Europe and the Middle East.

The EnLite Neonatal TREC System has received CE Mark approval and is designed for the detection of a rare genetic disorder that can reduce a child's lifespan, but can be treated when detected early in newborns.

PerkinElmer's test is intended to provide accurate results and minimise the number of steps required, ensuring cost-effectiveness and ease of incorporation into existing workflows, while cutting down on the amount of manual work and the associated risk of contamination.

Jim Corbett, president for diagnostics, life sciences and technology at PerkinElmer, said: "Our new SCID screening test is the direct result of our extensive expertise, knowledge and commitment to ensuring that newborn screening laboratories have access to the most advanced testing products."

This comes after the company announced the official opening of a new state-of-the-art centre for innovation in Hamburg earlier this month, which will be used to generate new advances in the field of life science.