Focus Diagnostics, the infectious disease diagnostics business of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), today announced that its Influenza A H1N1 (2009) Real Time RT-PCR test is now available as a test kit for use by "high complexity" clinical laboratories in the U.S. The test qualitatively detects the RNA of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus ("pandemic virus") from a patient's nasal, nasopharyngeal or throat specimen. In combination with clinical and epidemiological assessments, the test aids physicians in diagnosing patients infected with the pandemic virus rather than other influenza A strains.
"The availability of a quality test kit authorized by FDA for use during the pandemic emergency will contribute to the nation's capacity for accurate testing for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus," said John Hurrell, Ph.D., vice president and general manager, Focus Diagnostics. "Expanded testing for this new virus could be critically important in aiding clinicians in determining which influenza A virus is causing a patient's illness should there be a surge in testing demand during the fall and winter flu season."