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The Verigene Enteric Pathogens Nucleic Acid Test (EP) is a multiplexed, qualitative test for simultaneous detection and identification of common pathogenic enteric bacteria, viruses and genetic virulence markers from liquid or soft stool preserved in Cary-Blair medium, collected from individuals with signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal infection. The test is performed on the automated Nanosphere Verigene System utilizing reverse transcription (RT), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and array hybridization to detect specific gastrointestinal microbial nucleic acid gene sequences associated with the following pathogenic bacteria and viruses: - · Campylobacter Group (composed of C. coli, C. jejuni, and C. lari) - · Salmonella species - · Shigella species (including S. dysenteriae, S. boydii, S. sonnei, and S. flexneri) - · Vibrio Group (composed of V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus) - · Yersinia enterocolitica - Norovirus GI/GII - Rotavirus A In addition, EP detects the Shiga toxin 1 gene and Shiga toxin 2 gene virulence markers. Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) typically harbor one or both genes that encode for Shiga Toxins 1 and 2. EP is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of specific agents of gastrointestinal illness, in conjunction with other clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological information; however, is not to be used to monitor these infections. EP also aids in the detection and identification of acute gastroenteritis in the context of outbreaks. Due to the limited number of positive specimens collected for certain organisms during the prospective clinical study, performance characteristics for Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio Group and Shigella species were primarily established with contrived specimens. Concomitant culture is necessary for organism recovery and further typing of bacterial agents. EP results should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment management decisions. Confirmed positive results do not rule out co-infection with other organisms that are not detected by this test, and may not be the sole or definitive cause of patient illness. Negative EP results in the setting of clinical illness compatible with gastroenteritis may be due to infection by pathogens that are not detected by this test or non-infectious causes such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn's disease.

The Verigene Enteric Pathogens Nucleic Acid Test (EP) is a molecular assay that relies on detection of specific nucleic acid targets in a microarray format. For each of the bacterial or viral nucleic acid sequences detected by EP, unique Capture and Mediator oligonucleotides are used, with gold nanoparticle probe-based endpoint detection. The Capture oligonucleotides are covalently bound to the microarray substrate and hybridize to a specific portion of the nucleic acid targets. The Mediator oligonucleotides have a region that binds to a different portion of the same nucleic acid targets and also have a sequence that allows binding of a gold nanoparticle probe. Specific silver enhancement of the bound gold nanoparticle probes at the capture sites results in gold-silver aggregates that scatter light with high efficiency and provide accurate detection of target capture. The EP test is performed on the Verigene System, a "sample-to-result," fully automated, benchtop molecular diagnostics workstation. The System enables automated nucleic acid extraction from unformed stool specimens (liquid or soft) preserved in Cary-Blair media and detection of analyte-specific target nucleic acids. The Verigene System consists of two components: the Verigene Reader and the Verigene Processor SP. The Reader is the Verigene System's user interface and serves as the central control unit for all aspects of test processing, automated imaging, and result generation using a touch-screen control panel and a barcode scanner. The Verigene Processor SP executes the test procedure, automating the steps of (1) Sample Preparation and Target Amplification - cell lysis and magnetic bead-based bacterial and viral nucleic acid isolation and amplification, and (2) Hybridization- detection and identification of analyte-specific nucleic acid in a microarray format by using gold nanoparticle probe-based technology. Once the specimen is loaded by the operator, all other fluid transfer steps are performed by an automated pipette that transfers reagents between wells of the trays and finally loads the specimen into the Test Cartridge for hybridization. Single-use disposable test consumables and a self-contained Verigene Test Cartridge are used for each sample tested with the EP assay. To obtain the test results after test processing is complete, the user removes the Test Cartridge from the Processor SP, and inserts the substrate holder into the Reader for analysis. Light scatter from the capture spots is imaged by the Reader and intensities from the microarray spots are used to make a determination regarding the presence (Detected) or absence (Not Detected) of a targeted nucleic acid sequence/analyte. This determination is made by means of software-based decision algorithm resident in the Reader.