Novacyt SA, a clinical diagnostics specialist, said it has won UK approval for its multiplex PCR test for the detection of winter viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The Winterplex 3G assay panel has been approved under the UK Health Security Agency's Medical Devices (Coronavirus Test Device Approvals - CTDA), making it the company's sixth PCR test to be added to the CTDA register of approved COVID-19 diagnostic products, Novacyt said in a statement.
Winterplex 3G allows healthcare systems to differentiate between common respiratory infections which present with similar symptoms, it noted.
“This approval comes in advance of the winter virus season in the northern hemisphere and means the company can now sell Winterplex 3G in the UK,” the company said.
David Allmond, Novacyt’s group CEO, commented: "This product is a combined assay which offers the benefit of testing for multiple seasonal viruses at the same time, saving time and requiring only one patient sample.
“We believe this is important as the diagnostics market moves towards favouring respiratory panels over COVID-19-specific testing due to concerns about the dual rise in COVID-19 and influenza cases this winter."