The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Influenza Division-National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases - has provided nucleic acids material to PositiveID to develop a diagnostic assay to detect Influenza A H5N1, also known as avian flu.

PositiveID said its avian flu assay will run on its patented Dragonfly Rapid MDx platform, and will be compatible with other available platforms.

The assay will provide test result in less than 30 minutes at the point of care, and is expected to be available in the upcoming flu season for diagnostic and surveillance applications.

PositiveID chairman and CEO William Caragol said the company’s microfluidic technology will enables it to develop new assays for emerging bio-threats and viruses, which it believes will help in entering into clinical diagnostic market.