At AACC booth 4945, Alere Inc, Waltham, Mass, is set to display its Alere i platform, which uses isothermal technology that amplifies nucleic acids at a constant temperature. Thermal cycling and sample purification steps are not required, enabling fast results. The instrument features a compact footprint, intuitive touchscreen, visual guides, and unidirectional connectivity to the user’s network. In 2014, FDA cleared the platform for the detection and differentiation of influenza A and B virus. The first molecular test ever to receive a CLIA waiver, the influenza test detects and differentiates influenza A and B virus in less than 15 minutes. The company also recently received FDA clearance for its Alere i Strep A test, which detects group A Streptococcus bacteria from throat swab specimens in 8 minutes or less. Other assays currently in development include tests for respiratory syncytial virus and C. difficile, and a combined test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. For more information, visit Alere.