QIAGEN Products Adopted by Major Testing Centers Worldwide for Use in Avian Flu Surveillance

QIAGEN, a leading provider of molecular diagnostics products and the world’s premier supplier of solutions for preanalytical sample preparation, has seen rapid adoption of its broad product portfolio in avian flu (H5N1) detection and surveillance by major testing centers worldwide.

In a survey conducted at year-end 2005, QIAGEN has established that more than 80 institutions are now using QIAGEN preanalytical products and test kits as standard tools in their surveillance programs. QIAGEN believes that this represents a significant majority of all institutions involved in the global monitoring of this virus, making QIAGEN the leading provider of molecular assays and preanalytical and assay components for avian flu.

Tests for the avian flu (H5N1) virus using QIAGEN tools are highly specific, sensitive and fast. Subject to local regulatory requirements, they address both human and veterinary applications. The assays are based on real-time PCR and include assays that detect H5 and H5N1 viruses within 75 minutes, with very high analytical sensitivity.

“As the incidence of H5N1 begins to spread to more and more countries, it is increasingly important that tools are available to detect and monitor the virus quickly and efficiently. Our product portfolio for avian flu has been swiftly developed and deployed in the response to this global threat,” said Peer M. Schatz, QIAGEN’s Chief Executive Officer. “In 2003, our Hamburg team was also the first to launch a molecular assay for SARS. This is now a further example of how QIAGEN’s technology leadership in solutions for pathogen testing has allowed us to act so rapidly and has a direct and significant impact in addressing this pandemic threat.”