Over Thirty Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostic Kits Released

More than 30 new kits were launched for nucleic acid (NA)-based diagnostics.

The new basket of diagnostic kits includes kits for the diagnosis of human pathogens such as human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV)-1 and 2, hepatitis B virus (HBV), Chlamydia, and Neisseria gonorrhea. These kits were designed for noninvasive sample preparation. Other kits were developed for food-borne pathogens and plant pathogens.

The complete kits include all the components for the isolation of high quality inhibitor-free nucleic acids, as well as the required master mixes and controls to allow for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection. The kits combine both sensitivity and specificity of detection, and include controls to eliminate false negatives and problematic isolations.

Noninvasive sample collection offers a number of distinct benefits for diagnostics, therefore Norgen Biotek first plans to obtain regulatory approval for the urine-based pathogen detection kits. These pathogens are traditionally detected in blood or plasma. The kits are produced by Norgen Biotek Corp. (Thorold, Canada) a privately owned biotechnology company that focuses primarily on advancing tools for nucleic acids (NAs) and protein purification.

"The transition of our powerful nucleic acid isolation technology into diagnostics is a natural extension for us. The quality of a diagnostic kit is only as good as the quality of the sample, and as leaders in sample preparation we are in an ideal position to make this transition," said Dr. Haj-Ahmad, president and CEO of Norgen Biotek. "These kits will become invaluable tools for noninvasive urine-based diagnostics," he added.

Meanwhile, the kits are ideal for use in surveillance of drug resistant pathogens, epidemiological studies, field surveillance of pathogens, and surveys.

Norgen Biotek Corp. provides its customers with sample preparation kits for RNA, microRNA, DNA, and protein purification, cleanup and concentration, as well as support services to customers and partners worldwide.

Related Links:
Norgen Biotek Corp.