Diagnostic HYBRIDS announced the release of its D3 DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit for the US market. The kit is the only FDA-cleared device that detects and identifies human metapneumovirus (MPV) from nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs, aspirates and washes using patent-pending MPV monoclonal antibodies. The D3 DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit can be used in direct testing of patient specimens with results in as fast as 15 minutes, or in cell culture with the patented R-Mix and R-Mix Too Mixed FreshCellscell culture systems for overnight results. Even though human Metapneumovirus has been identified as a significant respiratory pathogen for almost a decade, most laboratories do not routinely test for it. According to Steve Ewers, Senior Product Manager at Diagnostic HYBRIDS, “the primary reason for this has been the absence of an FDA-cleared, reliable rapid assay. The D3 DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit provides the laboratory with an easy-to-perform, proven methodology utilizing the same protocol as the gold standard D3 Ultra DFA Respiratory Virus Screening & Identification Kit. The consistency in methods will allow for easy integration into the lab workflow.” Ewers added that “metapneumovirus infection is especially prevalent in infants and elderly patients, but is often indistinguishable from RSV infection, making it difficult to prevent cross-infections. The availability of the D3 DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit combined with our premier D3 Ultra DFA Respiratory Virus Screening & Identification Kit allows laboratories to identify eight major respiratory viruses in a clinically relevant time frame, allowing physicians to make decisions based on a definitive diagnosis instead of on symptoms alone.” The D3 DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit is a major addition to Diagnostic HYBRIDS’ rapid respiratory virus testing system. The system includes the R-Mix and R-Mix Too mixed cell culture systems which allow for the rapid isolation of MPV in cell culture, and now the D3 DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit. The complete respiratory testing system, including additional D3 DFA respiratory testing kits, is available in the US, Canada, and select international markets.