Users share data at Luminex workshop
We had a great time at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2016 Annual Meeting in November, and wanted to thank all of the attendees who came to our workshop to learn more about the sample to answer tools and flexible assays we offer. If you missed the event, here’s a quick recap.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Homi Shamir, gave attendees a high-level view of how Luminex has steadily expanded into new areas in the automated molecular diagnostics market. From our start in highly multiplexed, high-throughput assays such as xTAG® and NxTAG®, we introduced the ARIES® System for users who need less capacity and run fewer samples at once. With our Nanosphere acquisition earlier this year, we added the Verigene® platform for low-throughput but high-plex needs. Next year, we expect to have even more FDA-cleared assays for the ARIES® System, and also plan to submit a new Verigene platform for FDA review.
Next up was a presentation led by Dr. Kevin McNabb, Director of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Testing at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. He described the implementation of the Verigene Respiratory Pathogen Flex Test (RP Flex™) in his lab, where clinicians were eager for a molecular-based assay that offered a customizable panel of markers — but administrators wanted to keep costs down. The Verigene RP Flex Test met these needs, covering all relevant viral and bacterial targets, offering flexible pricing for partial panels, and requiring no new lab equipment to run. The molecular testing team now uses this assay during low-demand seasons — a higher-throughput platform is used during flu season — and estimates that it will save the facility about $65,000 annually.
The final talk was from Dr. Ted Schutzbank, Technical Director for Specialized Testing and Microbiology at St. John Hospital and Medical Center in Michigan. He reported the results of an evaluation study comparing the ARIES® System to an existing workflow for detecting BK virus. First isolated in 1971, the virus is endemic globally, with more than 90% of us infected. For most people, the virus is harmless; however, for people with compromised immune systems such as organ transplant patients, it can cause health problems. Schutzbank routinely tests for BK virus in plasma samples from renal transplant patients. After completing his comparison of a laboratory-developed procedure on the ARIES® System with his existing process, he concluded that the results were reproducible and concordant across platforms. However, Schutzbank said that the ARIES® System had the advantage of a more efficient and automated workflow, with less hands-on time, faster time to results, and intuitive software.
Thanks to our speakers for a great event. We’re already looking forward to next year’s AMP meeting!
Disclaimer: Luminex does not endorse the use of any LDT for diagnostic use.
For In Vitro Diagnostic Use. Products are region specific and may not be approved in some countries/regions. Please contact Luminex at support@luminexcorp.com to obtain the appropriate product information for your country of residence.
