The test, which searches for fragments of DNA 200 basepairs or longer that are characteristic of diseased mucosa, may eventually compete with diagnostics like Exact Sciences' Cologuard.
Using biorepository strains, researchers from the J. Craig Venter Institute and elsewhere profiled Zika virus consensus sequences, variant patterns, and phylogenetics.
The firm said that the assay uses vaginal or rectal swabs to identify Group B Streptococcus DNA in about an hour. It has filed for 510(k) clearance with the US FDA.
Qiagen's partnership and merger agreement with NeuMoDx may help it compete with high-volume molecular testing vendors such as Abbott, Hologic, and Roche.
