One Hour Lab Test For Anthrax Approved
A new test for anthrax has been approved that yields lab results in less than one hour. The current method of growing, isolating and identifying a culture can take as long as several days for results.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Idaho Technologys Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS) for use as an aid in the laboratory diagnosis of anthrax.
The JBAIDS Anthrax Detection System can detect the gene components of the deadly organism Bacillus anthracis in a variety of environmental sample types, and also clinical blood samples as well as cultured organisms.
The JBAIDS was selected by the U.S. Department of Defense as the platform for use in rapid identification of over 10 deadly pathogens associated with bioterrorism and diseases of military interest.
The FDA clearance allows testing of blood and laboratory culture samples to aid in the laboratory identification of B. anthracis, with results in less than one hour.
Todd Ritter, Idaho Technologys chief corporate development officer, said, “This is a great example of how private industry and the government can work as partners to protect our nation and those who defend it.”
“Working closely with the FDA Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Evaluation and Safety, our team consisted of the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, and our scientists and staff at Idaho Technology,” said Ritter. “The team worked extremely hard and effectively to get the system cleared, providing a capability to make our military personnel safer.”
“We would also like to thank the Army, Navy and Air Force laboratories that performed the clinical trials and helped with the pre-clinical evaluations, as this was truly a Joint effort,” Ritter said.
Idaho Technology, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Founded in 1990, Idaho Technology worked together with the University of Utah to develop rapid PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, technology and other innovative technologies for nucleic acid detection and analysis.
Through funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Defense Department, the company has created many commercial instruments and reagents for use in research and applied fields.
Researchers, medical technicians, law enforcement officers, and soldiers in the field use the company’s devices to detect or study human genetics, disease causing organisms or biothreat agents.