NEW YORK (360Dx) – BioMérieux announced today that its BacT/Alert Virtuo automated blood culture system has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration. The system was previously CE marked and is now commercially available in the US and countries that recognize CE marking.
"This highly automated blood culture solution enables faster detection of pathogens by clinical microbiology laboratories, which is of crucial importance for optimal patient treatment, especially in life-threatening conditions such as bloodstream infections which may progress to severe sepsis," François Lacoste, BioMérieux's corporate vice president of its clinical unit, said in a statement.
The system streamlines laboratory workflow by offering "Load & Go" technology attuned to all personnel skill levels. Bottle unloading is fully automated, with visual and audible alarms and alerts for positive bottles, the firm said.
The BacT/Alert Virtuo also offers proprietary algorithms, high thermal stability, and superior optics to enhance blood culture performance for more rapid time to detection, translating into faster identification of bloodstream infections, the firm said. And it features a technology to measure blood volumes in each culture bottle to ensure compliance with accreditation and quality guidelines such as CAP standards.