Abbott, a global health care company, launches in Brazil its ID NOW ^™point of care molecular platform with tests for the rapid detection of respiratory diseases such as influenza, bronchiolitis and pharyngotonsillitis.

ID NOW is a fast isothermal molecular diagnostic system for the qualitative detection of infectious diseases. Advanced system technology delivers results in just a few minutes, allowing doctors to make more effective clinical decisions during the patient visit.

Influenza is one of the most prevalent and potentially deadly viral diseases in the world. According to the Ministry of Health, in 2018 only 1,381 deaths from influenza were recorded in Brazil. However, most people have never tested for the flu. Lack of diagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment and inability to interrupt the transmission of infection.

ID NOW tests offer the fastest molecular detection and differentiation of influenza A and B in 13 minutes or less, with early identification of positive results in just 5 minutes. Tests for the diagnosis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which is the main cause of bronchiolitis, show results in 15 minutes or less. Testing for Group A Streptococcus, the leading cause of bacterial pharyngitis (sore throat), is twice as fast as other available molecular tests - in six minutes or less, with positive results in less than two minutes - no need culture confirmation for negative results.

"The ID NOW system combines speed and effectiveness for fast delivery of molecular results that can be crucial for faster and more accurate treatment decision making," said Arthur Zeraib, Emerging Markets Marketing Director, Rapid Diagnostics Division from Abbott. "We are now making this innovative technology available in Brazil to improve the standard of care and reduce the threat of viral epidemics." ID NOW can be used in a variety of healthcare settings, including clinics, clinics, hospitals, laboratories and other places requiring a close patient diagnosis.

"Studies show that diagnoses based solely on the physician's clinical analysis have an assertiveness rate of only 29%. The ability to achieve rapid and molecular precision results in just five minutes, identifying the presence of influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and by Group A Streptococcus, is a revolutionary development that allows a more agile and assertive decision making ", says Professor. Dr Marco Aurélio Sáfadi, a specialist in Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases conferred by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and Director of the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Santa Casa de São Paulo. "The rapid test also enables the reduction of inappropriate and abusive use of antibiotics,