Qiagen launches RespiFast RG for diagnosing respiratory infections

Qiagen has announced the launch of its RespiFast RG Panel, for the detection of respiratory tract infections, in Europe this week.

The molecular diagnostic kit has received CE-IVD marking for the detection and differentiation of 22 pathogens – 18 viruses and four pathogens – that cause respiratory tract infections in humans.

RespiFast RG Panel provides highly sensitive, accurate results for a broad range of pathogens in a single multiplex kit. This respiratory panel is the first multiplex assay to run on Qiagen's flexible QIAsymphony automation platform.

The test panel was developed and manufactured by PathoFinder, a privately owned company based in Maastricht.

Thierry Bernard, Qiagen's senior vice-president within its molecular diagnostics business, said: "The RespiFast RG Panel provides a highly sensitive tool that detects viral and bacterial infections simultaneously in a single test. Users have full confidence in the reliability of the results, ensured by both extraction and amplification controls."

Earlier this month, the firm announced the launch of a new initiative to increase global access to advanced cervical cancer screening technologies for women in greatest need.