US-based Luminex has initiated clinical and analytical studies to assess its ARIES system and ARIES HSV 1&2 assay.
The company is conducting trials at various clinical laboratories in the US, with plans to receive FDA and CE IVD approval this year.
Luminex president and CEO Homi Shamir said: "We are excited to announce the start of ARIES clinical trials as planned, which represents a key milestone in our commercial launch schedule.
"Because we designed ARIES to be an easy to use solution that solves many of the problems and challenges laboratories face each day, we are highly optimistic in the market potential for this innovative platform."
Luminex has designed the ARIES system to enhance laboratory efficiency and fit seamlessly into lean laboratory environment.
The new sample to answer system uses internal bar code scanning and other advanced features to reduce operator errors.
According to Luminex, two independent magazine bays support from one to six cassettes each and will allow for STAT and batch testing, while simultaneous IVD and laboratory developed tests (LDTs) operate through a common universal assay protocol.
The system’s integrated PC avoids the need for a separate computer, stand-alone keyboard and mouse, allowing to maximize valuable bench space.
Image: Luminex’s ARIES sytem. Photo: courtesy of Luminex Corporation.