ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TriCore Reference Laboratories announced today involvement in a successful clinical trial that proves new technology, Automated Plate Assessment System (APAS®), can nearly match the performance of trained microbiologists in urine culture plate analysis. TriCore completed the pivotal research at their headquarters in August, 2015 for Australian medical technology company LBT Innovations Limited.
Urine samples represent an estimated 55 percent of all human samples tested by microbiology laboratories worldwide. Common urinary tract infections (UTI) such as cystitis and urethritis are one of the most cited reasons for visiting a doctor regarding an infection and usually requires a series of time-consuming culture tests. Globally, millions of agar plates are incubated and assessed every day for the presence of clinically significant bacteria.
TriCore’s data demonstrated APAS software was 98 percent effective in analyzing culture plates when compared to three expert microbiologists. By automating this laboratory workflow the screening mechanism separates samples with no significant growth and enables microbiologists to focus on plates with significant growth. As a conclusion, results could be delivered to physicians and patients faster than current practice.
“Our findings support the use APAS software as a potential substitute for human analysis in culture plate analysis,” said TriCore’s Director of Research and Clinical Trials, Dr. Steve Young. “This software provides a new avenue in which to further streamline microbiology processes.”
“We hope these findings illustrate our laboratories pivotal role in research and development and assisting new technologies to reaching their full potential in clinical practice,” said Dr. Michael Crossey, TriCore’s Chief Medical Officer.
TriCore’s APAS trial results included:
- Greater than 98% sensitivity in the detection of microbial growth on blood agar, with a 95% confidence interval width in the order of 1%. The study successfully met the set target of 96%
- Greater than 99% sensitivity in the detection of microbial growth on MacConkey agar, with a 95% confidence interval width in the order of 0.5%. The study successfully met the set target of 96%
- Greater than 98% sensitivity in the detection of microbial growth for the whole sample, with a 95% confidence interval width of around 0.5%. The study successfully met the set target of 96%
- Greater than 96% sensitivity for the segmentation of cases with microbial growth typical for urinary tract infections (UTIs), with a 95% confidence interval width in the order of 1%. The overall specificity was around 90%, and when there was no growth at all the specificity was around 98%
- Greater than 98% sensitivity for the detection of microbial growth typical of E. coli, the cause of up to 86% of UTIs in the US and Europe.
For more information about Research and Development at TriCore Reference Laboratories, visit www.TriCore.org
About TriCore Reference Laboratories
TriCore Reference Laboratories provides the majority of clinical diagnostic testing for New Mexico and offers solutions and services in population health management and targeted intervention strategies. TriCore has emerged as a leader in reference laboratory services, performing a full range of tests – from the routine to the highly esoteric under the direction of more than 30 pathologists and scientific directors.
About LBT Innovations
LBT Innovations (LBT) is an Australian developer of clinical and diagnostic technology. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, the Company has two breakthrough products in microbiology automation: MicroStreak®, which provides automation of culture plate streaking, and APAS®, a breakthrough in automated culture plate reading, interpretation and reporting. Based on LBT’s innovative intelligent image interpretative platform, APAS specifically addresses the automated imaging, analysis and interpretation of culture plates following incubation. LBT has entered into a joint venture with Hettich AG Switzerland to drive the commercialization of APAS products. LBT also has a third product in development, WoundVue™, a proposed automation solution to assist in the management of chronic wounds. For more information, see www.lbtinnovations.com
CONTACT: Vanna Livaditis ioanna.livaditis@tricore.org
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