Patients wondering whether they have COVID-19, the flu or the respiratory syncytial virus will soon be able to test for all three at the same time, thanks to the new BD MAX Respiratory Viral Panel.  

The Franklin Lakes medical company announced June 30 that the new molecular diagnostic combination test – which checks for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A + B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) – has been CE marked to the IVD directive 98/79/EC, meaning it’s now available in countries that recognize that certification.  

In the announcement, BD said it plans to submit for Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the coming weeks. 

The diagnostic uses a single nasal swab or a single nasopharyngeal swab sample to test for any of the three viruses, with results ready in about two hours. BD added that it will help eliminate the need for multiple tests and trips to the doctor and can also speed up the treatment process. 

“SARS-Cov-2, influenza and RSV are a triple threat, as patient symptoms and clinical presentation can be nearly identical,” Nikos Pavlidis, vice president of molecular diagnostics at BD, said in a statement. “A combined testing panel is key to enabling clinicians to quickly and efficiently diagnose, differentiate and treat patients to help manage the spread of the infections.” 

Other recent BD innovations & announcements:

• BD collaborates with Mayo Clinic on real-world data
• Collaboration aims to expedite monkeypox testing
• BD to acquire pharmacy automation provider for $1.5B