US-based Meridian Bioscience has received CE mark approval for its new molecular assays to detect Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2).
The approval allows the new molecular assays to run on the company’s platform illumigene. Other molecular tests that run on the platform include C. difficile, Chlamydia, Group A Streptococcus, Group B Streptococcus, Gonorrhea, Mycoplasma and Pertussis.
Meridian Global Diagnostics president and executive vice-president Mike Shaughnessy said: "With the launch of our HSV 1&2 tests, our illumigene platform now supports nine molecular assays.
"Coupled with our Chlamydia and Gonorrhea assays launched earlier this year, Meridian is now able to offer a compelling STD and Women’s Health portfolio that will empower laboratories to test in-house while using best in practice diagnostic methods for both infections."
The illumigene HSV 1&2 assays use cutaneous and mucocutaneous specimens from symptomatic patients to quantitatively detect and differentiate HSV-1 and HSV-2.
According to the company, both test results are available within one hour in order to guide patient counseling and management.
Meridian Bioscience Europe distributes all illumigene products in the EMEA region, while the firm’s global distribution network supplies the products in additional international markets.
Image: Micrograph showing the changes of herpes simplex virus. Photo: courtesy of Nephron.