The latest generation of the QIAstat-Dxâ panel for the one-step, fully integrated molecular analysis of GI syndromes is a multiplex gastrointestinal panel that QIAGEN has upgraded to now include comprehensive viral coverage. What’s more, a respiratory panel for QIAstat-Dx analyzes 21 viral and bacterial pathogens - including sub-types of influenza, coronaviruses, pneumonia and other targets - to differentiate the causes of acute respiratory tract infections.

Having already secured CE-IVD marking, together with the gastrointestinal and respiratory panels, the QIAstat-Dx system was recently successfully registered and launched in Australia. Plans are currently underway to submit QIAstat-Dx and both panels for U.S. regulatory approval, which is expected to be granted in 2019. In the same year, QIAGEN aims to launch a QIAstat-Dx multiplex test for meningitis, once again with CE-IVD marking. The company is also working on an extensive range of assays for syndromic testing in oncology and other areas of therapy.

"Hospitals, laboratories and clinics are embracing QIAstat-Dx as an easy-to-use, next-generation solution for reliably diagnosing complex syndromes," says Thierry Bernard, QIAGEN’'s Senior Vice President for Molecular Diagnostics. "With less than one minute of hands-on time and results in about an hour, a clinic assistant or technician can run multiple samples and gain reliable, highly sensitive molecular insights that differentiate the causes of respiratory or gastrointestinal syndromes. QIAstat-Dx's simplicity brings the power of real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology close to the patient. All the user has to do is insert a sample cartridge, then they can walk away. The instrument automatically handles all of the steps of multiplex molecular analysis - enabling the clinician to make informed treatment decisions."

QIAstat-Dx is designed to be deployed in clinical environments close to the patient so as to avoid delays caused by sending samples to a central laboratory. Its user-friendly cartridges are processed in a scalable, proprietary analyzer. Using a touchscreen with simple step-by-step instructions, this device can be configured for up to eight modules, separately analyzing the cartridges according to predefined assay protocols.

QIAGEN GmbH - Germany (40724 Hilden, Germany)
Website: www.qiagen.com