Friday, April 26, 2013

Life Technologies Supports Avian Flu Detection Effort

Carlsbad-based Life Technologies, the developer of genetic analysis and life sciences research equipment, reports this morning that its equipment is being used for the emergency screening efforts for the Avian Influenza (H7N9) virus. H7N9 is the latest virus to emerge out of China which is causing alarm for its potential for becoming a global pandemic. According to Life Technologies, its PCR instrumentation is being used by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for emergency screening of patients suspected of harboring the new virus. Life Technologies said, as a result of the flu virus, it is ramping up production of its reagents to handle expected screening needs to labs around the world. So far, H7N9 has only been detected in China and Taiwan, however, there have been at least 23 deaths linked to the new virus.

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