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Abbott Pathogen Detection Platform Obtains CE Mark

NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) ― Abbott announced today that its pathogen detection platform, Iridica, has obtained CE marking and is now available in Europe and other countries that recognize the CE mark.

The diagnostic platform uses a combination of PCR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to amplify and detect pathogens directly from patient samples without the need for culture. It can currently distinguish over 1,000 bacteria, viruses, and fungi, according to a statement, allowing for unbiased screening of patient samples in less than six hours.

Previously called Plex-ID, the next generation platform debuted in July, and has been praised for its ability to detect and identify pathogens that are rare or difficult to grow in culture.

Preliminary data from a study of the platform showed an independent panel of physicians would have prescribed a different course of treatment in about 60 percent of cases if they'd had the Iridica-based diagnosis. That study, called Rapid Diagnosis of Infections in the Critically Ill, or RADICAL, also suggested the platform could reduce healthcare costs and length of hospital stays, according to the statement.

There are currently five panels available on the Iridica platform, including one for bloodstream infections that detects more than 780 bacterial strains along with four antibiotic resistance markers, and a fungal panel that detects more than 200 types of fungi and yeast, according to the company website.