Rapid tests laboratory

Since January 2016 we offer a dozen of rapid molecular or immunochromatographic tests.

Molecular tests

Currently, we propose several rapid molecular tests including the rapid GenXprt PCRs for detection of enteroviruses, M. tuberculosis, norovirus, and MRSA. These rapid molecular diagnostic systems are very useful for critical situations for which very rapid results directly impact decisions for hospitalization, isolation, treatment or investigations. One of the best example is the GenXpert M tuberculosis, which is not only used for diagnostic and treatment decisions, but also replaced smears to decide whether or not a suspected patient should be isolated (Opota et al 2016). Please note that some of these Genxpert molecular tests are also used directly on blood-culture pellet (Clerc et al 2014).

In 2016, we also started to offer additional molecular diagnostic tests using the BD-Max technology for detection of enterpathogenic bacteria (Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter), as well as protists (Entamoeba, Cryptosporidium, and Giardiaq lamblia).

Immunochromatographic tests

One major immunochromatographic test is used to detect malaria as an adjunct to thick smears examination. We also propose the detection of S. pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila in urines, which is especially useful for subjects suffering from pneumonia with dry cough, and for which no sputa are available. Note however that these two tests only exhibit a sensitivity of about 80%, hence only positive results are really clinically helpful (reviewed by Clerc et al, 2010).