Oct. 29, 2021—Hologic announced that its Aptima SARS-CoV-2/Flu assay is available for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of three respiratory viruses that can present with overlapping clinical symptoms.
The assay can be used with anterior nasal swab and nasopharyngeal sample types. Multiple collection devices can be used, including Hologic’s Direct Load Collection Kits, recently launched in the U.S., which are designed to reduce the risk of viral transmission. A buffer within the collection tube inactivates SARS-CoV-2 and other common respiratory viruses. The tubes are loaded directly onto the Panther instrument without manual steps.
The multiplex test is CE marked for diagnostic use in Europe, authorized under interim order by Health Canada, and has received emergency use authorization from the FDA. The assay runs on Hologic’s Panther system, which provides initial results in about three hours and can process more than 1,000 tests in 24 hours.