POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Optical ImmunoAssay kit for detecting influenza A and B

Object No. 2005/162/1

This kit can detect influenza A and B viruses on a nasal swab in 15 minutes. Before 1998, when the kit was co-developed by Biota in Australia and Thermo in the USA, the best method took a fortnight. A drop of sample, prepared by treating the swab with a series of reagents, is placed on a silicon chip coated with a thin film containing flu antibodies. Any influenza A or B antigens in the sample lock onto the antibodies, thickening the film on the chip and changing its colour. Debbie Rudder FLU OIA is the first clinical test capable of scientifically confirming in 15 minutes that a person is infected with an influenza virus. It allows doctors to identify patients likely to benefit from neuraminidase inhibitor drugs, which are effective against all strains of flu if taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms. Used together with neuraminidase inhibitor drugs, FLU OIA will form the first line of defence against the next influenza pandemic when it strikes. Appropriate vaccine will not be available for about six months after the pandemic strain emerges, so FLU OIA will be of enormous significance to humanity in the battle against influenza. It will play a key role in disease management in that accurate diagnosis allows appropriate treatment and limitation of spread of the disease throughout the community. FLU OIA was co-developed by Biota, the same Australian company that developed Relenza, the first neuraminidase inhibitor drug. The company is a world leader in anti-viral research. Both FLU OIA and neuraminidase drugs like Relenza have enormous scientific and social significance. Used together, they can identify, treat and help contain the spread of influenza, a disease capable of killing millions of people in a matter of months. Sandra McEwen Curator 2005

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Summary

Object Statement

Diagnostic test kit, 'FLU OIA', Optical ImmunoAssay for the Detection of Influenza A and B, paper / plastic / cardboard / liquid reagents / monoclonal antibodies / calf serum, developed and made by Biota, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia / Thermo Electron Corporation, Louisville, Colorado, United States of America, 2004

Physical Description

The FLU OIA is a kit containing immobilised antibodies that capture specific antigens (proteins) of the influenza virus. If the antigens are present a coloured reaction occurs. The kit is presented in a cardboard box with pictorial directions for use built into the sleeve of the box. The top of the box is multicoloured and carries a picture of a woman grimacing as if she has the flu. On one side all of the contents are listed along with information in 4 languages: French, German, Spanish and Italian. The kit contains: Sample Diluent - sodium chloride solution; Reagent 1 - Buffer solution containing surfactant and reducing agent; Reagent 2 - Buffer solution containing surfactant and stabilising proteins; Wash - Phosphate buffer solution containing surfactant; Substrate - Tetramethylbenzidine and hydrogen peroxide solution; Positive control - Formaldehyde-inactivated influenza A virus (AHong Kong/68 H3N2) suspension in a buffered protein solution; Negative control - Buffered saline solution; Test devices, packaged in plastic - coated with a mixture of anti-influenza A and B antibodies (mouse); 31 plastic extraction tubes; 31 plastic transfer pipettes; 30 rayon-tipped swabs on plastic shafts, plus one empty packet; 1 clear plastic stand designed to hold reagents and extraction tubes during a test.

DIMENSIONS

Height

85 mm

Width

220 mm

Depth

215 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

The FLU OIA - Influenza diagnostic test kit was developed jointly by Biota Holdings and the US company, Thermo Electron. It was launched in the USA in December 1998. This kit was produced in the USA by Thermo Electron Corporation. In the USA it is manufactured and marketed by Thermo Electron. Biota holds the marketing and distribution rights outside the USA and its major distributors are Daiichi Pure Chemical Co., Ltd in Japan and Dade Behring in Australia.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Biota Holdings, 2004

Acquisition Date

16 June 2005

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