MicroGenDX, a company specialising in clinical molecular diagnostics and utilising qPCR+NGS sequencing for infectious disease detection, has announced the launch of its Rapid H5 qPCR test.
The new qPCR test is specifically engineered to identify variants of the H5 avian influenza A virus, including the currently prevalent H5N1 strain.
The test is designed for use by medical professionals in various healthcare environments such as hospitals and clinics. It is aimed to enable prompt and precise detection to support patient care and clinical decision-making in managing H5 influenza cases.
MicroGenDX CEO Rick Martin said: “Hospitals need reliable, fast-turnaround molecular diagnostics to track and keep up with emerging H5N1 situation.
“With Rapid H5, we believe we can empower healthcare providers with better tools to confirm H5 with confidence, to support better patient care outcomes and infection control within clinics.”
The H5N1 strain of avian influenza has been detected in over 80 human cases worldwide and has also spread to numerous mammalian species, raising alarms about its potential for human-to-human transmission.
In light of this threat, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert in January 2025, recommending that hospitals subtype all Flu A positive specimens within a 24-hour timeframe. This guidance is intended to better protect high-risk individuals and facilitate monitoring of H5N1 cases and any emerging mutations.
MicroGenDX’s Rapid H5 test aids healthcare providers in complying with these recommendations by confirming the presence of an H5 influenza virus, such as H5N1, directly from patient samples.
By integrating the identification of H5 into a single testing process, it eliminates the need for separate tests to confirm both Influenza A and an H5 infection.
The Rapid H5 test is notable as the first independently developed clinical test focused on detecting H5 influenza. With a price point of $120 per test and results available within 24-48 hours, it is said to offer a more cost-effective and faster solution compared to many other laboratory options.
The test can process nasopharyngeal swab samples using UTM, VTM, or eSwab, allowing it to fit seamlessly into existing workflows in medical facilities.
MicroGenDX is making its Rapid H5 test directly accessible to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. This ensures that healthcare providers are among the first to leverage advanced molecular testing capabilities.
