What is xTAG RVP

xTAG RVP is a powerful molecular diagnostic assay that has been cleared by the US FDA to simultaneously screen for 12 different respiratory viral strains and subtypes. Click here to see what xTAG RVP tests for.

From a simple nasopharyngeal swab sample (nasopharyngeal aspirates and bronchial alveolar lavage samples can be used in Europe and Canada), nucleic acids are isolated and amplified using a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified genetic material is then combined with a mixture of short sequences of DNA specific to each viral target. If genetic material derived from that particular virus is present, a label is incorporated so that it can be seen. The labelled genetic material is added to a mixture of colour-coded beads; each colour binds to a different virus-specific label. Then, the sample is read using the Luminex xMAP instrument, which uses lasers to detect the colour of the bead and the presence or absence of the associated label.

Sample taken

PCR amplification

Label incorporation

Binding to beads

xMAP instrument reads beads and detects presence or absence of the virus

 For full indications for use, limitations, warnings and precautions, see package insert.