bioMérieux launches automated detection test for Clostridium difficile A and B toxins

This bacterium is extremely contagious, owing to the persistence of spores on inert surfaces; it requires aggressive measures of patient isolation, hygiene and disinfection.

With results in just 75 minutes, as opposed to 24-48 hours using the reference method, this test enables faster therapeutic decision-making and patient isolation measures to prevent all types of transmission. Performing this test on the VIDAS system provides laboratories with the first fully automated and standardised solution. Finally, by combining the detection of both A and B toxins, VIDAS C. difficile Toxin A&B significantly increases detection sensitivity and reliability.

With more than 20,000 systems installed worldwide, mainly in small and mid-size labs, VIDAS and its compact version miniVIDAS are multi-parameter instruments using ELFA (Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay) technology, and based on a ready-to-use single-sample test concept. The analyses may be run as a customisable test at up to 50 tests per hour.

Started in 1992, the menu includes 82 clinical parameters covering a wide range of human pathologies: identification and quantification of (i) bacteria, viruses and parasites in biological samples, (ii) antibodies measuring the immunological response to an infection such as AIDS or viral hepatitis, and (iii) different proteins circulating in the blood, markers for selected cardi-vascular diseases or certain cancers, inflammatory response and hormonal dysfunction.

“The introduction of this automated test using VIDAS, one of the most widely used immunoassay automated systems in the world, offers a new solution to detect, prevent and better control hospital-acquired infections,” said Stéphane Bancel, ceo of bioMérieux. “These are a major worry for any health professional and any hospitalised patient, and are part of the key pathologies identified in our strategic plan.”