Gen-Probe's Group A Streptococcus Direct Test (GASD) has beencleared for marketing by the FDA.The GASD test uses a non-isotopic, homogenous DNA probe assay toprovide identification of Streptococcus pyrogenes from throat swabs.Accurate results are available in about one hour, the San Diegocompany said.Two clinical studies testing more than 1,000 specimens showed theGASD test had 91.7 percent sensitivity and 99.3 percent specificity, thecompany said.Gen-Probe product manager Diana Kobrin said pricing informationwas unavailable but that it would depend on the volume purchased.

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