Automate over 95% of allergy testing

14 commonly-requested allergens account for 50% of the average allergy testing workload handled by European laboratories, while a menu of 120 assays covers 95% of all requests

Continuing co-operation between Bayer Diagnostics (a division of Bayer HealthCare) and the Danish allergy immunotherapy and in vitro test manufacturer, ALK-Abello, has resulted in further expansion of the allergy assay menu for the high-throughput Advia Centaur immunoassay system.

11 new assays - eucalyptus, weeping fig tree, hamster epithelium, rat epithelium, pigeon feathers, grape, herring, lobster, sweet pepper, penicilloyl G, penicilloyl V - and one pet mix have been introduced bringing the automated testing total to 191 allergen assays, 22 mixes and an inhalant screening test.

The inhalant screen is composed of 19 specific allergens, representing 95% of those most commonly encountered in allergic patients.

14 commonly-requested allergens account for 50% of the average allergy testing workload handled by European laboratories, while a menu of 120 assays covers 95% of all requests.

This means that the vast majority of requests can already be fulfilled using the Advia Centaur system, enabling laboratories to benefit fully from the efficiencies of automated processing for their allergy workload.

All the Advia Centaur allergy assays are two-stage tests which are processed on the analyser in 47 minutes, without disruption to overall routine workflow.

All assay steps are carried out automatically on board the system, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

It is hoped to have a menu of up to 300 allergens, screens and mixes for the Advia Centaur by the time the Bayer/ALK-Abello development programme is complete, covering around 98% of routine test requests.

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