Accurate procalcitonin (PCT) results are critical to check bacterial infections in patients with sepsis. Beckman Coulter, the leading manufacturer of innovative diagnostic instruments, along with its partner Diazyme Laboratories recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a new procalcitonin (PCT) assay, an important tool for the management of bacterial infections and sepsis. Adding PCT to the menu of a current chemistry analyzer is an efficient way of sepsis testing in laboratories without the need for a more expensive, dedicated platform.
The high-quality, fully automated PCT assay is the first homogenous PCT assay for use on current Beckman Coulter AU chemistry analyzer models such as the AU 480, 680 and 5800. Available for the first time on an automated chemistry platform, the assay offers laboratories the ability to provide sepsis testing through a simple chemistry menu addition. The assay indicates the severity of sepsis and other clinically significant bacterial infections. Its immunoturbidimetric methodology provides accurate and precise results in rapid turnaround time.
Jack Zakowski, PhD, FACB, director, scientific affairs at Beckman Coulter says, "Our AU analyzers are known for high performance, speed and accuracy. Combining our chemistry systems with this PCT assay results in fast turnaround times, and enables rapid assessment of patients in these critical situations."
Beckman Coulter has partnered with Diazyme Laboratories to distribute the PCT assay and to ensure delivery of the broadest range of solutions for clinical laboratories. Diazyme Laboratories is a leading cGMP and ISO 13485-certified medical device manufacturer.