New Test from Bosch Healthcare Solutions Detects Three Major Diarrhea Pathogens
Waiblingen, Germany – Bosch Healthcare Solutions has launched a new PCR test for Clostridioides difficile, norovirus, and rotavirus, expanding the capabilities of its Vivalytic analysis platform to include gastroenteritis. This innovative test is the first of its kind to simultaneously and automatically detect these three major diarrhea pathogens in under an hour, right on site.
The Vivalytic test is available through distribution partners such as Randox Laboratories and R-Biopharm. “We developed this test so that medical practices and clinics can identify the cause of gastroenteritis more quickly and respond appropriately: with the right treatment and measures to prevent further spread and infection,” explains Marc Meier, president of Bosch Healthcare Solutions.
Gastroenteritis is a common reason for visiting a doctor’s practice or clinic, especially among children and older adults. “Rapid and accurate diagnosis of the pathogen is crucial to initiate the right treatment, prevent potential complications, and bring the infection under control,” says Dr. Stefan Zimmermann, Senior Physician at the Center for Infectious Diseases at Heidelberg University Hospital.
The bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the main cause of nosocomial diarrheal diseases, which are associated with a relatively high mortality rate. To prevent life-threatening outcomes, an infection must be diagnosed quickly and treated effectively. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), however, C. difficile is still under-tested.
In addition, other pathogens can also cause diarrhea, making a more comprehensive diagnosis, such as the Vivalytic test for norovirus, rotavirus, and C. diff, sensible. The Vivalytic Analyser from Bosch Healthcare Solutions supports rapid sample processing, which is particularly important for C. difficile, as the toxin may no longer be detectable at room temperature within two hours. Rapid sample processing is therefore recommended by the RKI.
The risk of infection for medical staff is significantly reduced with the Vivalytic Analyser, as the fully automated process bypasses the frequently lengthy process through a central laboratory. Bosch Healthcare Solutions recently obtained CE certification for three versions of its new gastroenteritis test: Vivalytic C. difficile, Vivalytic norovirus, and the triple test Vivalytic norovirus, rotavirus, C. diff.
The Vivalytic Analyser allows for quick and easy testing for C. difficile, norovirus, and rotavirus directly at the point of care. The system is user-friendly and requires only a brief training session for medical staff. The collected sample is placed into a test cartridge, which already contains all necessary reagents. The cartridge is then inserted into the Vivalytic Analyser for automatic processing. The test result is shown on the display.
With the Vivalytic test, Bosch Healthcare Solutions is once again living up to its mission of improving people’s health and quality of life. The subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH was established in 2015 and employs nearly 300 associates at its headquarters in Waiblingen, Germany. The company’s solutions draw on the Bosch Group’s core competencies: sensors to collect data, software to evaluate that data, and services based on this data analysis.
Bosch Healthcare Solutions also uses its proven expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services and employs roughly 429,000 associates worldwide.
Contact person for press inquiries:
Thomas Berroth
Marketing & Communication
Thomas.berroth2@de.bosch.com
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.