BD SARS-CoV-2/Flu assay for the BD COR MX/PX System

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has announced a high-throughput molecular diagnostic combination test for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B, the second test available for the BD COR PX/MX System to have been CE marked to the IVD directive 98/79/EC.

The BD SARS-CoV-2/Flu assay is an automated, multiplexed, real-time RT-PCR test to detect and differentiate SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and/or influenza B from a single nasal sample from patients who are showing signs of respiratory viral infection, as well as those who are asymptomatic. The BD COR MX/PX System allows 1700 specimens to be loaded, with onboard capacity for reagents and samples that provide more than 6 h of unimpeded system processing and up to 1000 sample results in 24 h, eliminating multiple technologist interactions currently required per shift.

The system integrates and automates the complete molecular laboratory workflow from sample processing to diagnostic test result. The PX instrument focuses on sample workflow for diagnostic specimens and assays, preparing the samples by performing the appropriate pre-analytical processing steps and automatically delivering the samples to the MX instrument for molecular analysis. The MX instrument will perform the analytical steps of the SARS-CoV-2/Flu molecular assay, including extraction, amplification and detection.

The system is modular and scalable, and designed to address multiple needs within laboratories for expanding molecular testing and increasing test volumes. It is particularly suitable for laboratories requiring high throughput for sample results, minimising staff interactions and automating labour-intensive and error-prone manual processes.