Product News

Nurse Practitioner, Oct 2004

Ultra-Rapid Test Detects MRSA

lnfectio Diagnostic Inc. (Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada) received FDA approval for IDI-MRSA, its new ultra-rapid test for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). IDI-MRSA is the first test approved for use directly on clinical samples.

Traditional methods of testing for MRSA require 2 to 5 days, while the IDI-MRSA test provides test results within 1 hour.The rapidity of the new test will significantly reduce the costs to Healthcare institutions fighting and preventing the spread of these infections.

For more information, visit http://www.infectio.com.

Pretreatment Products Listed on GlucoWatch

The labeling of Cygnus, Inc.'s (Redwood City, Calif.) GlucoWatch G2 Biographer glucose-monitoring device now includes a description of pretreatment products and a method to minimize the effects of skin irritation without affecting the accuracy of the G2 Biographer glucose measurements.

Labeling now shows that there was a significant reduction in skin irritation after pretreatment with Kenalog (Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals) aerosol spray and Cortizone-10 Quick Shot (Pfizer) spray.

For more information on the GlucoWatch G2 Biographer, visit http://www.glucowatch.com.

FDA Approves Rapid Oral HIV Test

OraSureTechnologies (Bethlehem, Pa.) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its OraQuick Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, an oral HIV test that can give results from saliva samples with over 99% accuracy in 20 minutes. The company has marketed an identical rapid HIV test that uses blood samples since November 2002.The test is expected to help expand AIDS screening tests in the United States and abroad.

To perform the test, a subject wipes the inside of his/her mouth with a swab and then places the sample in a vial of reactant. After 20 minutes, the test shows the presence or absence of antibodies to HIV-1. While the test is approved to detect antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 when used on blood, this approval in oral fluid is limited to detection of antibodies to HIV-1. Patients who test positive must have the results confirmed by an additional, more specific HIV test.

The OraQuick Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test can be stored at room temperature and requires no specialized equipment. It will be available initially in approximately 4,000 certified clinics and hospitals nationwide.

Smaller, lmplantable Defibrillator Approved

Guidant Corporation (Indianapolis, Ind.) received FDA approval for its Vitality 2 implantable defibrillator, which is indicated for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death due to arrhythmia.

The Vitality 2 is the smallest, thinnest implantable defibrillator on the market. At 30 cc and 11 mm, it is designed to make insertion easier and contribute to patient comfort.

The Vitality 2 also uses the company's RHYTHM ID feature, which uses rhythm discrimination technology to help manage complex arrhythmias and distinguish between lethal and nonlethal arrhythmia.

For more information, visit http://www.guidant.com.

More Comfortable CPAP Mask Offered

InnoMedTechnologies (Boca Raton, FIa.) introduced Nasal-Aire II, its second-generation, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interface for sleep apnea. The new mask improves on the comfort and compliance benefits of the original Nasal-Aire mask, adding an improved performance and a reduction in sound level.

Nasal-Aire II comes in six sizes and includes optional headgear for better stability. It can be worn for any length of time without discomfort and creates no uncomfortable pressure points on the face. The user can sleep in any position. Because the mask is virtually leakfree, it does not chill the nose.

Nasal-Aire Il has a built-in swivel and easy-to-assemble parts.

For more information, visit http://www.innomedtechnologies. com/product/nasalai re2.htm