The FDA has just approved xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel by Austin, TX-based Luminex Corporation, the first test to identify 12 respiratory viruses from a single sample. xTAG can detect and differentiate influenza A subtypes H1 and H3, influenza B, respiratory syncytial virus subtype A and B , parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, rhinovirus , adenovirus, as well as the recently discovered human metapneumovirus (hMPV).
The FDA says that in this test, “specific beads, or microspheres, bind to the amplified viral genetic material. The beads are then sorted so that the specific virus can be identified.”
Here’s how the technology is presented by Luminex:
xTAG Technology website…
FDA press release: FDA Clears First Test Designed to Detect and Identify 12 Respiratory Viruses from Single Sample …
Press release: Luminex Corporation Receives U.S. Food and Drug Administration Clearance for xTAG(TM) Respiratory Viral Panel …
xTAG Respiratory Viral Panel Detects 12 Viruses
January 4th, 2008 
Medgadget Editors Medicine, Pediatrics