Quest Diagnostics, a provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, is all set to launch its Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV Direct test on the 3M Integrated Cycler in Europe following the CE Mark approval.

Developed by the company’s Focus Diagnostics business, the influenza and respiratory viral test will remove nucleic-acid sample extraction, facilitating faster results reporting.

Focus Diagnostics research and development vice president, Maurice Exner said that Simplexa Direct chemistry employs a novel technology that overcomes a critical limitation found in most molecular test kits.

"With this advance, molecular testing will be far easier and faster for labs to perform than before," Exner said.

"We believe the Simplexa Direct method is an important step toward enabling a greater range of healthcare professionals to access quality molecular testing."

According to the company, Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV Direct is an addition to the influenza and respiratory franchise of FDA-cleared and CE-marked assays available through Focus Diagnostics.