Kate Dempsey

Renishaw Diagnostics

Renishaw Diagnostics Ltd, formerly D3 Technologies Ltd, was a Strathclyde University spin-out before being acquired by the Renishaw Group, a leading global supplier of engineering technologies, medical devices and Raman spectroscopy systems. Renishaw Diagnostics is developing and commercialising in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products, with the goal of establishing itself as a key provider of automated, multiplex, high sensitivity molecular diagnostics products for the detection of human infectious diseases. Renishaw Diagnostics uses novel patented technology based on Surface-Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering (SERRS) to develop molecular diagnostic tests for the infectious disease market and for life & analytical science research applications. The main advantages of this new technology are high sensitivity, multiplex detection and analysis. In August 2015 we announced the launch of the CE-IVD certified RenDx Multiplex Assay System together with its first assay, Fungiplex, a multiplex PCR in vitro test for the qualitative detection of Candida and Aspergillus DNA extracted from blood samples. The assay is designed for use on the RenDx Multiplex Assay System, an automation and detection platform that allows processing of up to 45 samples in a single run and identifies 12 Candida and Aspergillus species. Our first system installation is at the San Raffaele University Hospital in Milan, Italy. The installation marks the beginning of a three month study to evaluate the Fungiplex assay in a clinical setting of both ICU and haemato-oncology populations. Dr Nicasio Mancini, Consultant Microbiologist, will test its performance and the possibility of its inclusion in a rapid, multi-disciplinary diagnostic flow-chart for categories of patients at high risk of invasive aspergillosis and candidemia. The identification of multiple Aspergillus and Candida species offers the potential to improve patient management of their ICU and haemato-oncology patients.