ArcDia is developing an efficient platform for rapid point-of-care and near-patient diagnostic testing of infectious diseases in multianalyte format.

ArcDia is developing a new multianalyte immunoassay test platform for rapid point-of-care testing of infectious diseases (available in 2010). The platform comprises of an automated random-access analyser and a set of test reagents.

The first test products are targeted for respiratory tract infections. According to the new test methods, nasal/throat swab samples from the patient are subjected to automated multianalyte immonassay testing, including ten common respiratory pathogens:

1. Group A streptococci
2. Streptococcus pneumoniae
3. Influenza A virus
4. Influenza B virus
5. Parainfluenza virus 1
6. Parainfluenza virus 2
7. Parainfluenza virus 3
8. Adenovirus
9. Respiratory syncytical virus
10. Human Metapneumovirus

The nasal/throat swab samples are treated with sample solution and then inserted into the bench-top analyser for multianalyte detection. The strip contains 10 parallel reaction wells, one well per test, each well containing pathogen specific assay reagents in the dry state. The analyser reports positive samples within 20 minutes of incubation. Low positive and negative samples are reported within 2 hours.

ArcDia concept for respiratory infections enables rapid point-of-care identification of respiratory infection pathogens. The system is suitable for testing of both pharyngitis, lower and upper respiratory tract infections. Viral infections do not usually need antibiotic medication and, hence, empirical antibiotic treatment may be avoided in many patients cases. Positive viral test results help rationalize the use of influenza virus -specific drugs.