The RSV OIA rapid immunoassay is for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children worldwide. In the U.S., RSV causes approximately 90,000 hospitaliztions and 4,500 deaths each year in both infants and young children. RSV also causes repeated symptomatic infections throughout life.
       This company’s patented Optical ImmunoAssay technology is designed for high sensitivity and specificity, and the OIA product line includes tests for Group A Streptococcus, Influenza A and B, Chlamydia, Group B Streptococcus, and Clostridium difficile Toxin A.
      The RSV OIA test involves the extraction and detection of protein antigens unique to RSV (nucleoprotein and fusion protein). The Optical ImmunoAssay technology enables the direct visual detection of a physical change in the optical thickness of molecular thin films as a result of antigen-antibody binding on an optical surface. Slight changes in optical thickness produce a distinct visible color change, with a positive result appearing as a purple spot on the predominant gold background. When antigen is not present in the specimen, no binding takes place. Therefore, the optical thickness remains unchanged and the surface retains the original gold color indicating a negative result.
Thermo BioStar
www.thermo.com
Keywords: infectious disease, rapid test