Providing a quick diagnosis of methicillin resistance at the point of care, the latest addition to the Vivalytic portfolio of tests not only provides rapid RT-PCR results in 53 minutes but differentiates between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), which promotes targeted therapy.
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus is a major multi-resistant nosocomial pathogen worldwide with the WHO estimating that the mortality rate of patient infection rates is around 50% higher compared with patients who have been infected by non-resistant S. aureus strains. Moreover, the extensive period of hospitalisation, morbidity, and the associated medical costs increase significantly with an MRSA infection.
Introducing MRSA to the Vivalytic portfolio can provide high quality answers, anywhere and anytime improving patient pathways and the need for care. Significantly, introducing rapid MRSA screening at ward level, emergency settings and before hospital elective surgery procedures allow for an effective response to identifying whether the bacteria strain is MRSA or MSSA.
Making a point to care, the rapid essence and speed of Vivalytic not only showcase technology but the ability to contribute to current health risks by preventing contamination, breaking the chain of infection, and again fighting the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and superbugs.
The treatment on the front line today looks at increasing empirical antibiotic prescribing and increasing drug-resistant outbreaks. AMR is growing rapidly, with superbugs threatening the ability to treat common infectious diseases appropriately. The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated concerns over AMR and antibiotic-associated adverse events, with surges in antibiotic prescribing, hospitalisations, and drug-resistant bacterial transmissions.
Speed is key here - since the result of diagnostics with culture sampling, which is the current traditional method for MRSA testing, is only available after one to three days, this PCR test for the point of care is ideal as an additional tool when speed is of the essence.
By using one single cartridge, the Vivalytic MRSA/SA tests a nasal- or oropharyngeal swab sample and can detect and differentiate between MRSA and MSSA DNA to aid in the diagnosis of MRSA infection in just 53 minutes.
Making this happen, the MRSA/SA rapid test on Vivalytic by Bosch is a point-of-care platform brought to the market by Randox Laboratories. The Vivalytic system is a fully automated, cartridge-based platform capable of both Hi-Plex and Lo-Plex infectious disease testing. Each easy-to-use cartridge contains all necessary reagents, is fully sealed to minimise risk and can be conveniently stored at room temperature.
The Vivalytic consolidates the full molecular workflow into a small benchtop platform, capable of extraction, PCR amplification and detection. It follows an easy four-step process from sample entry to results and with the gold standard PCR testing. With most up to date technology, the Vivalytic has wireless connectivity, with no peripherals required, making a unique space saving and hygienic solution. Handling and utilisation are simple and medical professionals require only minimal training.
For more information on the Vivalytic, visit www.randox.com/vivalytic-molecular-point-of-care/
