The FDA approved marketing for the first test that can identify 12 different bacteria types known to cause infections of the bloodstream. The Verigene GP Blood Culture Nucleic Acid Test (BC-GP) can identify staphylococcus, streptococcus, enterococcus and listeria.
"Bloodstream infections are always treated with antimicrobial drugs, and it is essential to identify which antimicrobial drug is appropriate for a specific patient as quickly as possible," said Alberto Gutierrez, director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
"This new test is an important tool that will help physicians treat patients quickly with the correct antibiotics," he added.
Bacteria in the bloodstream can cause infections of the heart, kidney and other vital organs.
The test is manufactured by Nanosphere Inc.
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