SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

Fully Automated MRSA Assay Allows Rapid Identification of Deadly Superbug

BD Life Sciences
9 Jul 2012
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

BD Diagnostics, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has announced FDA clearance to market the BD MAX™ MRSA molecular test in the United States. The assay is performed on the fully-automated BD MAX™ System and is designed to rapidly and accurately identify patients colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Rapid and accurate identification of patients, enables infection control measures to be implemented faster to reduce transmission and help prevent infection in vulnerable patients.

“The BD MAX MRSA assay is an easy-to-use, cost-effective method to identify patients colonized with this deadly superbug,which may support better outcomes for the patient and a safer hospital environment,” said Tom Polen, President, BD Diagnostics – Diagnostic Systems. “FDA clearance of the BD MAX MRSA test gives our customers a new level of automation to optimize MRSA surveillance testing.”

According to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the total cost burden to the U.S. healthcare system from MRSA infections is estimated at more than $2.5 billion annually. MRSA infections primarily occur in people who have been in hospitals or other healthcare settings. MRSA can spread among patients or healthcare workers via direct contact with colonized patients and/or hospital surfaces. Early identification of patients colonized with MRSA helps reduce the risk of transmission and infection, and helps to improve patient outcomes.

“BD MAX is an automated, bench-top molecular system designed to perform a broad range of molecular testing, offering unmatched flexibility and versatility,” said Thomas Davis, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and Pathologist with Wishard Health Services and Indiana University Health Laboratories. “As the BD MAX assay portfolio continues to grow, the walk-away automation, standardized workflow and ease-of-use of the BD MAX System will allow laboratories to increase both the menu and efficiency of molecular testing to better meet the demands of clinicians.”

The BD MAX MRSA assay is the second test cleared this year by the FDA on the BD MAX System.

Links

BD Life SciencesCompany website

Tags

Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Staphylococcus aureusMRSA

Related articles

Fully Automated MRSA Assay Allows Rapid Identification of Deadly Superbug