BioMérieux has received CE mark certification for its Respi R-Gene SARS-CoV-2/flu/RSV/hMPV multiplex diagnostic test.

The kit can simultaneously detect the SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, as well as influenza A and B, human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and it can be used in any laboratory with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment.

Multiplex tests have a key role to play during the pandemic because patient management may differ depending on the infection, said François Lacoste, BioMérieux’s executive vice president of research and development. “Although the circulation of flu viruses is low to date, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to detect other diseases associated with respiratory disease early on, especially for high-risk patient groups.”