RANDOX’s sexually-transmitted infection (STI) array is now acknowledged as suitable for use in clinical settings, thanks to its CE mark.
STIs are considering a growing health problem worldwide, and are thought to affect over a quarter of young adults at some point in their lives. They present significant challenge to public health, especially in developing countries.
Diseases including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes, and other urinary and genital infections, can be difficult to diagnose, asymptomatic, or masked by other health issues.
Randox says its STI Multiplex Array can simultaneously detect ten of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, with results available within just five hours from a single urine or swab sample.
These ten STIs are: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Trichomonas vaginalis, Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Herpes simplex 1 and 2, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Haemophilus ducreyi.
One significant advantage of the multiplexed approach is that multiple STI pathogens can be identified simultaneously. It is now being recognised that patients presenting with one STI are frequently also infected with others.
Randox says this new array has the potential to revolutionise STI diagnosis, because of its accuracy and comprehensive diagnostic ability.
An added advantage may be the more appropriate use of antibiotics, therefore reducing the potential for antibiotic resistance.