Qiagen launches H1N1 test globally
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Qiagen has launched its artus Influenza/H1 RG/LC RT-PCR Kit, designed to detect the H1N1 virus, worldwide. The test, which provides results in around 40 minutes, "currently has no official US FDA approval or CE marking", a spokesperson for Qiagen told Clinica. However, the firm is "evaluating its options and wouldn't exclude this possibility in the future". The first customer to order the test is the government of Saudi Arabia. Qiagen (Venlo, the Netherlands) claims the diagnostic can detect H1N1 and other influenza A and B strains. Other PCR-based tests can take up to 24 hours to carry out, but rapid, antibody-based tests have been criticised for lacking sensitivity.