Microsoft word - r - influenza and respiratory virus testing final

ViraCor-IBT Laboratories Launches Comprehensive Influenza
and Respiratory Virus Testing Service
New suite of tests identifies 2009 Influenza A H1N1 (“swine flu”), additional
influenza subtypes and other common respiratory viruses, assisting physicians
in improving patient care and ensuring appropriate antiviral use

Lee’s Summit, MO and Lenexa, KS – August 31, 2009 –ViraCor-IBT Laboratories today
launched a new, comprehensive influenza and respiratory virus testing service that will assist
physicians in detecting a range of respiratory viruses including 2009 Influenza A H1N1, or
“swine flu,” as well as other influenza subtypes and common respiratory viruses such as
rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (HMPV). The
ViraCor-IBT testing service will assist physicians in rapidly identifying the cause of an infection.
By reporting results on the same day that a sample is received, the service will improve patient
care, reduce unnecessary use of antivirals, and reduce hospital costs.
“Correctly diagnosing a respiratory viral infection from a patient’s symptoms alone is very
difficult because most respiratory viruses cause very similar symptoms. The only way to be
certain which pathogen is causing the infection is to run a laboratory test,” said Steve
Kleiboeker, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer for the combined ViraCor-IBT Laboratories. “With the
emergence of antiviral-resistant viruses and new pathogens such as the pandemic Influenza A
H1N1, testing for respiratory viruses has never been more important.”
The suite of tests available as part of the ViraCor-IBT influenza and respiratory virus testing
service includes four tests:
1. The xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP) 2. A test specifically designed to detect 2009 Influenza A H1N1 3. A test to help physicians detect and distinguish between the Influenza A H1 and Influenza A H3 subtypes, which are the likely cause of this year’s “seasonal flu” 4. A test that identifies drug resistant mutations of 2009 Influenza A H1N1 xTAG RVP is a unique molecular test that simultaneously detects 12 viral targets with one patient sample. ViraCor was the first national reference laboratory to adopt this test when it was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2008. The test detects major respiratory viruses including RSV A and B; Influenza A and B; parainfluenza types 1, 2 and 3; human metapneumovirus; rhinovirus and adenovirus. The ViraCor-IBT 2009 Influenza A H1N1 test was developed in the company’s laboratories and will assist doctors in determining if a patient is carrying the pandemic Influenza A H1N1 virus. The test first identifies the presence of Influenza A and then determines infection by 2009 Influenza A H1N1. This test was validated with samples confirmed to contain 2009 Influenza A H1N1 by public health laboratories, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). ViraCor-IBT’s Influenza A H1 and H3 subtyping test, which also was developed in the
company’s laboratories, assists physicians in distinguishing between the two most common
seasonal Influenza A subtypes so that the correct antiviral can be prescribed to a patient.
The 2009 Influenza A H1N1 Antiviral Resistance test is designed to detect mutations of the
pandemic Influenza strain that are resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu®). CDC recently reported
cases of immunocompromised patients who were carrying oseltamivir-resistant mutations of
2009 Influenza A H1N1. ViraCor-IBT’s test will allow physicians to identify mutations of the
Influenza A H1N1 virus that convey resistance to oseltamivir.
The new testing service offers physicians and laboratories several ordering options, including
reflex testing, which allows ViraCor-IBT to perform a needed second test without having to re-
contact the ordering physician.
“ViraCor-IBT is committed to providing hospitals and physicians the most advanced testing
options along with the fastest turnaround time of patient results in the industry,” said John
Martin, president of the combined ViraCor-IBT Laboratories. “As we head into an unpredictable
flu season, we are pleased to offer not only a high quality molecular H1N1 test, but three
additional assays that will give our clients the tools and information they need to help diagnose
and treat influenza and other respiratory illnesses and provide the best possible patient care.”
All of ViraCor-IBT’s respiratory virus testing options will be available as of September 1, 2009,
with the exception of the 2009 Influenza A H1N1 Antiviral Resistance test, which will be
available later in the month. To learn more about the influenza and respiratory virus testing
service, please visit www.viracor-ibt.com.
About ViraCor-IBT Laboratories

ViraCor Laboratories and IBT Laboratories merged in June 2009 to form a unique specialty
diagnostics laboratory. The combined company specializes in cellular, immunology, and allergy
testing services as well as molecular assays that detect and monitor microbial pathogens. The
company serves more than 4,000 physicians, hospitals, commercial laboratories and
biopharmaceutical companies nationwide. www.viracor-ibt.com
Media Contact:
Amy Asper, 615-327-7999
aasper@seigenthaler.com

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