The Luminex Verigene System is a molecular diagnostic technology for rapid identification of infectious pathogens. It provides timely information that guides treatment decisions. Quickly pinpointing the cause aids effective disease management.
How Verigene Works
The Verigene system operates by identifying the genetic material, DNA or RNA, from pathogens present in a patient sample. This process begins with automated sample preparation, followed by nucleic acid extraction. The system then performs target amplification, often through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), to create many copies of the targeted genetic sequences.
Following amplification, the system employs NanoGrid Technology, using gold nanoparticle probes for detection. These probes bind to specific target DNA on a microarray, and a signal amplification step with silver staining allows for sensitive detection. The entire process, from sample loading to result, is largely automated and delivers results in approximately two hours.
What Verigene Detects
The Verigene system identifies a range of pathogens across different infection types using specialized panels. For bloodstream infections, it offers separate panels for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The Gram-positive blood culture panel detects organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, and various Streptococcus species. It also identifies resistance genes like mecA (methicillin resistance) and vanA/vanB (vancomycin resistance).
Gram-Negative Blood Culture Panel
The Gram-negative blood culture panel identifies bacteria including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter species. It also detects several resistance markers such as CTX-M, KPC, NDM, OXA, and VIM, which indicate resistance to certain antibiotics.
Respiratory Pathogens Flex Test
For respiratory infections, the Respiratory Pathogens Flex Test detects multiple viral and bacterial nucleic acids from nasopharyngeal swabs. It encompasses common viruses like influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and various parainfluenza viruses, along with bacterial targets.
Enteric Pathogens Panel
The Enteric Pathogens panel identifies common causes of gastrointestinal illness. This includes bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella, viruses such as Norovirus and Rotavirus, and Shiga toxin genes often associated with E. coli.
Impact on Patient Care
The rapid results provided by the Verigene system have a significant impact on patient care, particularly in time-sensitive conditions like sepsis. Traditional methods for identifying pathogens take 24 to 72 hours, but Verigene delivers results in 2 to 2.5 hours from a positive blood culture. This accelerated identification allows healthcare providers to quickly shift from broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy to more targeted treatments.
Implementing rapid diagnostic tests like Verigene reduces the time patients receive appropriate antibiotic therapy, with one study noting a decrease from 60.9 hours to 42.6 hours. This swift action leads to improved patient outcomes, including reduced hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and lower mortality rates. The system also supports antimicrobial stewardship by minimizing unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use, which combats antibiotic resistance.