Abbott Demonstrates Next-Generation Molecular Diagnostics Prototype to Global Customers

Abbott demonstrated a prototype of the company’s next-generation molecular diagnostics platform at a recent scientific event hosted for its customers from across the globe.

At the event, molecular laboratory directors and researchers had hands-on interaction with the prototype and were able to provide additional feedback on the system prior to further stages of development.

Abbott’s new system is currently being designed from the ground up based on extensive input from laboratory customers. For example, health systems around the world are often challenged with higher testing volumes with staffing and budget constraints, including in the molecular laboratories.

"Our molecular lab customers tell us they are facing pressures to do more with less," said John Carrino, divisional vice president, research and development, Molecular Diagnostics, Abbott. "Abbott's next-generation molecular system is being designed to have a faster turnaround time, greater flexibility to run any test at any time, an ability to run higher volumes and automation to increase lab efficiency – all without compromising the testing performance and quality for which our organization is highly regarded."

Additionally, customer insights suggest a need for a broad testing menu in the molecular lab. Abbott currently offers one of the broadest molecular testing menus for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis, as well as sexually transmitted infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV), chlamydia and gonorrhea, among others tests.

"Abbott's molecular diagnostics can provide the information needed to help guide some of life’s most important health decisions," said Andrea Wainer, president, Molecular Diagnostics, Abbott. "Our accurate, reliable and quality tests could allow clinicians to make more informed treatment decisions to help improve patient care.”

In addition to the new molecular system, Abbott will be launching next-generation systems in blood screening, immunoassay, clinical chemistry, hematology and point of care testing in the near future. All of the systems will be built on the same software and hardware platforms to enable more automation and to simplify the user experience for Abbott’s customers.