October 2024—Roche announced the launch of the Cobas Respiratory flex test, the first to use Roche’s novel and proprietary TAGS (temperature-activated generation of signal) technology. Developed by Roche scientists, TAGS technology uses multiplex PCR testing combined with color, temperature, and data processing to identify as many as 15 pathogens in a single PCR test. The Respiratory flex test can detect up to 12 of the most common respiratory viruses, including influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS-CoV-2. The test runs on the high-throughput Cobas 5800, 6800, and 8800 analyzers.
The test is available in countries accepting the CE mark. FDA 510(k) clearance will follow with submission planned for the fourth quarter of this year.
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