Jan. 19, 2006 — STMicroelectronics and Veredus Laboratories announced that they are developing a fast, point-of-need diagnostic capability that will enable health practitioners to quickly detect strains of Avian Flu and other influenza viruses. The companies said the diagnostics would use reliable and inexpensive equipment and produce results within approximately one hour of testing.

Using STMicroelectronics’ In-Check lab-on-a-chip platform, Veredus is developing an application to specifically identify whether a patient is infected with the Avian Flu (H5N1) or a subtype of Influenza A or B in a single test, instead of requiring many tests. To be available in time for the next flu season, the companies said the single-test application would be a substantial breakthrough in enabling rapid identification of the infectious agent to limit the spread of the disease and speed patients’ treatment.