A similar test, developed by Smiths Detection outside the NIH grant programme, will also be made available for diagnosing influenza infections in animals, including potential pandemic strains. The animal test will run on both desk top and field portable versions of the Bio-Seeq. Development of the field portable version is complete and the desk top clinical diagnostic version will shortly enter clinical trials.

When using Bio-Seeq, the sample is introduced into a disposable cartridge which is then placed on the instrument. No manual sample preparation steps are needed and the cartridge can process a variety of solid and liquid samples.

Bill Mawer, head of Smiths Detection ™s Diagnostics business, said: The pandemic influenza application makes excellent use of the full range of our diagnostic technologies, combining the need for a sophisticated highly multiplexed test with the need for rapid results at the Point of Care. The award of this grant is a tremendous step forward for our new diagnostics venture.

Source: Smiths Detection