Abbott have launched the Verax Platelet PGD® Test, a first-generation, single-use, rapid qualitative immunoassay test that detects bacteria in human platelets, in the United States. Abbott signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Verax Biomedical Inc. in 2006 for worldwide rights to market and distribute the test.

The Platelet PGD Test is an easy-to-use, disposable device used to detect the presence of a broad range of bacterial contaminants in platelets prior to blood transfusion.

The test is designed for use in quality control testing of leukocyte reduced platelet units collected from blood donors and to detect both aerobes and anaerobes, which are bacteria that need oxygen for their sustenance and those that do not.

Leukoreduction is the removal of white blood cells (or leukocytes) from the blood or blood components supplied for blood transfusion. The Platelet PGD Test is intended to supplement current quality control testing methods used by blood establishments following collection of platelets using an automated instrument, and is not intended to be used in determining whether leukocyte reduced platelets may be released for transfusion.

The Verax Platelet PGD Test, which is designed to target antigens found on all species of bacteria known to be pathogenic to humans, is intended to provide results in less than 30 minutes.

Verax received 510(k) clearance for its Platelet PGD Test System from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in September 2007.