Researchers in the US have developed new technology that tests blood for 17 viruses and 13 bacterial and protozoan pathogens simultaneously with 95 per cent accuracy.

The new OpenArray system could be a promising tool for flexible, fast, and accurate blood screening with the emergence of new pathogens like West Nile Virus, Ebola, Dengue and Zika threatening human health on a global scale, according to a report in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics. "The increasing number of agents that may infect blood and the recognition that some of them only pose a risk in certain areas or certain times means that new methods to streamline blood testing must be developed," said Robert Duncan, an investigator with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

"The major feature of the OpenArray device, the ability to test for multiple infectious agents at the same time, could be an answer to that need," he added.Many "singleplex" tests approved by the FDA are available to measure one specific pathogen. Less commonly available are "multiplex" systems that can detect multiple pathogens. The cost-effectiveness of a multiple-agent- test means that more testing could be done, resulting in safer blood use."We need the next generation of tests that will detect transfusion-transmittable agents in multiplex format with high sensitivity and specificity, robustness, and adaptability to accomplish detection of new pathogens and maintain the safety of blood products," said Duncan. The researchers aimed to provide a proof of concept that will stimulate device developers to advance new technology for multiple assay testing devices into clinical use.