FDA clears rapid PCR test for sore throat and respiratory infections

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted 510(k) clearance to bioMerieux for a rapid respiratory/sore throat panel. The test will help clinicians make more informed decisions about antibiotic prescribing.

The new PCR test is capable of detecting upto 15 most common bacteria, viruses, and viral subtypes that cause respiratory or sore throat infections in about 15 minutes from samples taken from nasopharyngeal and throat swabs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for healthcare professionals to have diagnostic tests available as close as possible to the patient, providing actionable results quickly. A fast and innovative syndromic testing range, BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  perfectly matches these new medical needs worldwide.

The BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  R/ST Panel is a unique multiplex PCR1 test capable of detecting and identifying nucleic acids from up to 15 of the most common bacteria, viruses, and viral subtypes responsible for respiratory or sore throat infections in about 15 minutes. Samples can be taken from a nasopharyngeal swab when a respiratory tract infection is suspected, or from a throat swab in case of a pharyngitis syndrome.

“To prescribe or not to prescribe antimicrobials is the age-old question for outpatient upper respiratory infections. The flexibility of this syndromic panel allows healthcare professionals to test for multiple pathogens with overlapping signs and symptoms, ultimately allowing the diagnostic to drive informed decision-making during the outpatient visit. These results further empower the advancement of antimicrobial stewardship and modernize patient care.” declared Dr Charles K. Cooper, Executive Vice-President, Chief Medical Officer, bioMérieux

The BIOFIRE SPOTFIRE R/ST Panel is the third panel to receive FDA clearance for use on the BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® System. The two other panels available for use on this system are the BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  Respiratory (R) Panel and BIOFIRE® SPOTFIRE® Respiratory (R) Panel Mini, detecting 15 and 5 of the most common respiratory pathogens respectively.

A CLIA-waiver allows the BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  System and its so-authorized panels to be used by non-lab professionals and in any clinical setting where patients seek care including an urgent care, physician office, local pharmacy, student health clinic, or an emergency department.

“Receiving FDA clearance for the BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  R/ST Panel, just one year after the successful launch of the BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  solution, marks another milestone in our mission to move testing closer to the patient,” said Jennifer Zinn, Executive Vice President, Clinical Operations, bioMérieux. “With our innovative approach, we are committed to enhancing patient care by providing healthcare professionals with the tools they need to deliver expedited and effective diagnoses. Together, we are revolutionizing the landscape of healthcare, one diagnosis at a time.”

The BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  R/ST Panel is currently CE-marked under IVDD (In Vitro Diagnostic Directive) and has been submitted for CE-marking under IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation).

bioMérieux will also submit the BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  Respiratory / Sore Throat (R/ST) Panel Mini to the FDA for review for a 510(k) clearance. This panel is intended to detect and identify nucleic acids from 5 of the most common viral and bacterial causes of respiratory tract infections from either a nasopharyngeal or throat swab respectively. The BIOFIRE  SPOTFIRE  R/ST Panel Mini is not yet available for sale.