April 2008
3M Health Care, a leader in infection prevention for more than 30 years, announces plans to introduce the 3M™ Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test, a sensitive assay designed to deliver reliable, qualitative and objective electronic results in 15 minutes.
Expected to be available prior to the 2008-2009 flu season, the Rapid Detection Flu Test quickly delivers objective results through an easy-to-use self-timed reader. Requiring less than three minutes of prep time, positive or negative results are detected, differentiated as influenza A or B and displayed by the automated 3M™ Rapid Detection Reader. The fluorescent reader helps eliminate user interpretation errors, which can lead to both false negative or false positive results.
Additionally, the Rapid Detection Reader reads and stores test results which gives lab technicians more flexibility in time and test management by eliminating the critical test read time period required by all current flu tests. Its ability to export data further reduces potential for reporting error by eliminating the need for manual transfer of patient results.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, rapid testing of influenza allows for more appropriate infection management, including reducing inappropriate use of antibiotics, reducing the spread of infection within the health care environment and faster tracking and reporting.
“We are pleased to be launching the 3M™ Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test as our first U.S. product on the 3M Medical Diagnostics platform,” said Jeff Hillins, Medical Diagnostics global business manager, 3M Medical Division. “This test’s ability to provide objective results and its ability to read and store data helps address real pain points for hospital laboratories. As a highly contagious disease, quick and accurate diagnosis is essential to limit influenza spread, and may ultimately reduce costs and improve patient outcomes in the health care setting.”
The Rapid Detection Flu Test is the first 3M diagnostic test to be launched following a 2006 agreement between 3M and Response Biomedical Corporation to develop and commercialize diagnostic products targeting hospital and community acquired infectious diseases using Response Biomedical's technology.
“The 3M™ Rapid Detection Flu A+B Test is a key addition to the growing number of trusted infection prevention solutions we offer the health care community,” commented Chuck Kummeth, vice president and general manager, 3M Medical Division. “This is the first of several rapid diagnostic solutions we plan to bring to the marketplace that help hospitals improve patient outcomes, reduce costs and reduce the impact of resistant microbes.”
Health and Economic Consequences of Flu
Influenza is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening viral respiratory infection affecting millions of Americans annually. Each year, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population becomes ill with “the flu”.3 Flu can lead to severe complications and results in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and approximately 36,000 deaths each year. Influenza acquired in the hospital results in approximately $3,800 in extra charges per patient, according to one study.
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