Siemens Healthineers on Thursday announced the launch of two combination tests for SARS-CoV-2 and other seasonal respiratory pathogens.
The CE-marked FTD SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/HRSV PCR assay is available to laboratories, while the Clinitest Rapid COVID-19 + Influenza Antigen Test is used at the point of care.
Both enable effective management of seasonal respiratory testing during the current COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Siemens Healthineers said.
The FTD SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/HRSV PCR test enables semiautomated, mid- to high-throughput laboratory testing for common and potentially serious seasonal respiratory pathogens. Validated on the firm's Versant kPCR molecular system, the kit combines its FTD SARS-CoV-23 and FTD Flu/HRSV assays.
The combination PCR test detects and differentiates between SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and HRSV A/B.
For point-of-care (POC) applications, the Clinitest Rapid COVID-19 + Influenza Antigen Test provides results in 15 minutes. The three-in-one test can be administered by a healthcare professional in almost any medical setting, the firm said.
With no instrumentation or equipment, the POC test uses a nasopharyngeal swab sample to differentiate between SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B infections.
According to Siemens Healthineers, the test provides high sensitivity and specificity (98.32%/99.60% for SARS-CoV-2, 88.57%/97.78% for Flu A, and 87.10%/97.87% for Flu B).
"As we enter [the] cold and flu season, PCR and antigen testing options will allow clinicians to improve patient care by helping to identify the cause of respiratory illnesses that often present with similar symptoms," Sharon Bracken, head of diagnostic at Siemens Healthineers, said in a statement. "Enabling healthcare professionals to identify and differentiate among these infections in an efficient and timely manner may help to reduce the spread of seasonal respiratory viruses and SARS-CoV-2."
