CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 16, 2006--Meridian Bioscience, Inc., (NASDAQ:VIVO) today announced that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Premier Platinum HpSA(R) Plus, an improved new test for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The vast majority of peptic ulcer disease is caused by infection with H. pylori bacteria and, in recent years, effective therapies have become available for eradicating this disease. Premier Platinum HpSA Plus is simple and provides accurate results from a non-invasive patient sample. This test uses patented technology similar to that used in Meridian’s Premier Platinum HpSA test and its use is indicated in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection as well as for monitoring patient response to therapy. In addition, Premier Platinum HpSA Plus has been cleared for use on both children and adults.