Connect with us

Technology

Flockscreen LAMP Avian Influenza Test for Poultry First Rapid Molecular Test to Accurately Detect the Presence of Virus in Both Cloacal and Oropharyngeal Samples

Published

on

Alveo Technologies developed this groundbreaking product in partnership with x-Ovo, Royal GD and Pharmsure; first shipments of Flockscreen to EMEA expected Q3 2024

ALAMEDA, Calif., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Alveo Technologies, Inc. (Alveo), a leader in molecular sensing and diagnostics with its proprietary technology platform, today announced that rigorous development and testing has demonstrated that the Flockscreen LAMP Avian Influenza Molecular Test can accurately detect the presence of virus in both cloacal and oropharyngeal samples from poultry with comparable limit of detection, sensitivity and specificity. Alveo and their development partners performed more than 20,000 reactions on over 4000 assay cartridges during their evaluation of over 100 candidate primer sets and assay conditions, using both contrived and clinical samples. Relevant regulatory bodies have been engaged and appropriate validation and verification activities will be completed prior to shipment.

The product is available today for pre-sale in Europe and the Middle East. The company expects to begin shipping in volume in the third quarter of 2024.

The current HPAI panzootic has recently spread to cattle and at least 47 other mammalian species. Due to current disease control legislation, this has led to the destruction of more than half a billion poultry worldwide. Rapid, accurate tests are vital for early detection and containment, protection of the poultry industry, the prevention of zoonotic transmission and spillover events from one species to another, food security, the maintenance of agricultural trade, and ongoing monitoring and surveillance.

Current agricultural tests for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) all suffer from one of several significant drawbacks that make them unsuited to these use cases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) requires lab processing, which means it can take days to receive a result, and vaccination causes serology tests to turn positive even if the bird is not infected1. Lateral flow (also known as antigen or instant tests) lacks sensitivity and produces a significant percentage of false negative results.

Alveo’s portable and rugged molecular diagnostic platform has been designed to provide accurate, rapid test results at the point of need. It functions as a core component of a notifiable disease electronic management ecosystem that the company and its strategic partners have developed to support producers, as well as governmental bodies who are looking to expand the surveillance of important zoonotic pathogens. Two multiplexed panels enable the on-site broad detection of Avian Influenza Type A virus (targeting matrix gene) in poultry with differentiation of H5, H7, and H9 subtypes using oropharyngeal or cloacal samples. Both panels contain 7 assays, 6 of which are identical between cartridges. This configuration ensures the greatest coverage of the most clinically relevant global AI strains from the past 5-10 years, through to the current strains. The platform’s rugged design enables it to function in the field under extreme conditions, including very hot and near freezing temperatures, following a drop of one meter, and when subjected to movement and vibration, which are common challenges encountered in field settings. 

Alveo has developed assays for Flockscreen LAMP AI on its proprietary molecular platform with several partners —including x-OvO, Royal GD, and Pharmsure International Ltd. — and it will provide healthcare and government authorities with a rapid, decentralized, molecular test that eliminates the need to ship hazardous samples to a lab. Additionally, the platform has the capability to wirelessly upload time-stamped geotagged results to a common portal, providing organizations with near real-time information on the spread of the virus. The platform will provide veterinarians with intuitive, rapid, point-of-need testing. For producers, Flockscreen will empower rapid responses to reduce the disease’s spread and mitigate the impact on their business.

“The creation of a decentralized testing ecosystem that respects and expands process control by disease management authorities, combined with molecular biology levels of accuracy, could lead a paradigm shift in the way notifiable disease challenges are controlled,” said Dr. Richard Currie, President, x-OvO.

“Alveo’s molecular diagnostic platform is a groundbreaking technology that raises the bar for speed and accuracy in point-of-need diagnostic testing,” said Wim Kieftenbeld, Director Business Development at Royal GD. “Combined with our expertise in veterinary diseases and diagnostics, we’ve worked together to develop an assay that accurately and rapidly delivers results at point of need for both cloacal and oropharyngeal samples, a first for agricultural diagnostics for HPAI.”

“Our platform makes it simple to test for HPAI in poultry, and we will be the first diagnostic of its kind that can test both cloacal and oropharyngeal samples,” said Shaun Holt, CEO at Alveo. “Our rugged design enables healthcare providers, veterinarians, growers, and public health officials to obtain rapid results at point of need so they can take immediate action.”

Alveo expects first customer shipments of Flockscreen LAMP AI in EMEA to begin by Q3 2024. For more information visit: alveotechnologies.com/flockscreen

About Alveo 
Alveo is the first company to make molecular detection and diagnostics universally accessible – on the farm, in the field, in the clinic, or in the manufacturing plant – helping prevent or significantly limit the destructive impact of viruses, fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens by detecting earlier at the Point of Need™. Alveo’s rugged and portable, multiplex-capable diagnostic platform employs a patented method of direct electrical sensing of nucleic acid amplification to provide affordable, rapid, and accurate results. By enabling early pathogen detection, Alveo helps manage global health, food security, and supply chain resiliency by providing actionable insights at lightspeed. Know Sooner, Act Faster™ with Alveo. For more, visit: https://www.alveotechnologies.com/.

1 Tumpey TM, Alvarez R, Swayne DE, Suarez DL. Diagnostic approach for differentiating infected from vaccinated poultry on the basis of antibodies to NS1, the nonstructural protein of influenza A virus. J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Feb;43(2):676-83. doi: 10.1128/JCM.43.2.676-683.2005. PMID: 15695663; PMCID: PMC548100.

Media contact
Jeff Miller
jeff@marketstreetgrp.com
541-207-6413

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/flockscreen-lamp-avian-influenza-test-for-poultry-first-rapid-molecular-test-to-accurately-detect-the-presence-of-virus-in-both-cloacal-and-oropharyngeal-samples-302183714.html

SOURCE Alveo Technologies

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

hand2mind Launches New and Exclusive Back-to-School Products at Target

Published

on

By

Teacher-author collaborations with Tara West and Brooke Brown support hands-on math, literacy, and STEM learning

VERNON HILLS, Ill., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — hand2mind, a leading provider of hands-on learning tools for classrooms and homes, is launching a lineup of new and exclusive back-to-school products at Target, including classroom-ready tools created with its teacher-author partners Tara West and Brooke Brown.  

The product lineup gives educators and parents easy access to engaging, hands-on learning tools designed to support math, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. Select products will be available exclusively at Target, including new teacher-created items designed to help students build skills through exploration, problem-solving, and active play. 

West and Brown are part of hand2mind’s growing network of teacher-author partners, bringing classroom expertise and educator-developed approaches to hands-on learning products for young learners. West is the creator of Little Minds at Work®, and her early literacy curriculum, Guided Phonics + Beyond®, is included on three state-approved lists. Brown is the creator of Teach Outside the Box® and STEM Bins® and is known for helping teachers make STEM exploration accessible, flexible, and engaging in everyday classroom settings. 

“Teachers are looking for low-prep classroom tools that are easy to implement, developmentally appropriate and rooted in how children actually learn,” said Elana Woldenberg Ruffman, CMO at hand2mind. “By working with teacher-authors like Tara West and Brooke Brown, hand2mind is bringing classroom-tested ideas to Target shelves in a way that supports educators during the back-to-school season and beyond.” 

The Target-exclusive products include: 

STEM Bins® by Brooke Brown Builder Pack ($24.99): Brown’s first product available at a major retailer; this set includes building materials and open-ended task cards that encourage students to design, create and problem-solve. It is designed for early finishers, centers, morning work, and makerspace time. Little Minds at Work® Early Math Activity Set ($21.99): Featuring West’s Pip the Pup character, this hands-on set helps students practice foundational math skills through matching, sorting, patterning, framing and comparing activities. The set includes 54 Pip the Pup counters and 20 double-sided activity cards. Little Minds at Work® Game Tray Activity Set ($19.99): This single-student activity set includes six double-sided math and literacy game boards and accessories for up to four players. The tray fits 8.5-by-11-inch paper, allowing teachers to swap in worksheets, game boards or custom activities. Little Minds at Work® Alphabet and Letter Sounds ($19.99): This hands-on activity set helps young learners practice CVC words, 26 core letter sounds, and early spelling skills. With colorful, reusable materials and engaging activities, children can identify beginning, middle, and ending sounds while strengthening fine motor skills through play. 

In addition to the Target-exclusive products, hand2mind’s back-to-school product lineup at Target includes a range of educational tools that support literacy, math, social-emotional learning, sensory play and hands-on skill-building. 

The hand2mind back-to-school product lineup is available at Target stores and Target.com. 

About hand2mind®   

At hand2mind®, we believe children learn best by doing. That’s why, for over 60 years, we’ve been creating hands-on learning tools and educational toys that help kids build skills through exploration, problem-solving, and active play. From math and STEM to literacy and social-emotional learning, our screen-free educational tool and toys support engaged skill development in grades PreK and up. We inspire curiosity, build confidence and make learning fun—at home, in the classroom, and beyond. Unlock the power of hands-on learning by visiting www.hand2mind.com or following the brand on TikTok @hand2mind, Facebook @hand2mindinc, and Instagram @hand2mindinc. 

MEDIA CONTACT  
Olivia Flores  
2139888344
416893@email4pr.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hand2mind-launches-new-and-exclusive-back-to-school-products-at-target-302801508.html

SOURCE hand2mind

Continue Reading

Technology

Quick Fix Max™ ️Is Here, And It’s Everything Users Have Been Asking For

Published

on

By

LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quick Fix Synthetic, an authorized distributor of Quick Fix products, today announced the availability of Quick Fix Max 4 oz, a newly released addition to the Quick Fix product line from Spectrum Labs. Designed to offer increased volume and a ready-to-use standalone bottle format, Quick Fix Max uses the same Quick Fix 6.4 formula trusted for more than 25 years.

Quick Fix Max is a prefilled, premixed 4-ounce synthetic urine solution formulated to simulate key urine characteristics, including pH balance, specific gravity, creatinine levels, urea, and uric acid.

The product includes a temperature strip, heating pad, and batch verification code to support product authenticity and consistency. It introduces a larger standalone format for customers who prefer a simple bottle configuration while continuing to use the current Quick Fix 6.4 formula.

“Customers have consistently looked for a larger standalone Quick Fix option,” said by Chris Kennedy from Quick Fix Synthetic. “Quick Fix Max expands the existing lineup with the same trusted 6.4 formula in a format that offers more volume and better overall value.”

Quick Fix Max is a larger-volume format designed to offer improved per-ounce value while maintaining the same formula specifications and batch verification process customers already rely on.

Each Quick Fix Max package includes:

4 fl oz of Quick Fix 6.4 synthetic urineTemperature strip attached directly to the bottleHeat pad designed to maintain temperature for several hoursPrinted batch code for authenticity verificationTwo-year shelf life when stored correctly

Quick Fix Max has been officially released by Spectrum Labs and is now available through quickfixsynthetic.com and authorized distributors carrying official Quick Fix products.

Quick Fix Synthetic emphasized that purchasing through authorized distributors helps ensure customers receive authentic products stored under proper conditions, reducing the risk of expired or counterfeit units commonly associated with unverified third-party sellers and online marketplaces.

The company also noted that every Quick Fix Max bottle includes a printed batch number that can be verified through the official Quick Fix batch validator to confirm authenticity and expiration status before use.

Quick Fix Max is intended for novelty, calibration, educational, and laboratory simulation purposes only. Customers are encouraged to review all applicable local and state laws before purchase or use.

About Quick Fix Synthetic
Quick Fix Synthetic is an authorized distributor of Quick Fix products, providing customers with verified formula versions, batch authentication support, and direct customer service. The company focuses on educational resources, product authenticity, and discreet customer support while offering access to the latest Quick Fix formulations and related simulation products.

For more information, visit https://www.quickfixsynthetic.com.

Contact
Chris Kennedy
Manager
416750@email4pr.com
1-866-420-4574

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quick-fix-max-is-here-and-its-everything-users-have-been-asking-for-302801649.html

SOURCE Quick Fix Synthetic

Continue Reading

Technology

Aspirion Achieves HITRUST r2 Certification, Reinforcing Trust and Security Across Its AI-Powered Revenue Cycle Platforms

Published

on

By

HITRUST Certification validates that Aspirion’s Compass and DocIQ AI platforms meet rigorous cybersecurity and data protection standards through independent assessment and assurance.

COLUMBUS, Ga., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aspirion, the healthcare technology revenue cycle management (“RCM”) leader for denials, payment variance, and complex claims, today announced its Compass and DocIQ platforms have earned certified status from HITRUST for cybersecurity and information protection.

The HITRUST 2-year (r2) Certification demonstrates that Aspirion has met requirements defined by a leading cybersecurity assurance leader, confirming that strong controls are in place to protect sensitive data and manage risk effectively. As healthcare organizations increasingly adopt AI-enabled workflows, security, transparency, and governance become essential to scaling innovation responsibly.

“Our clients trust us with some of the most sensitive information in healthcare, and that trust is foundational to everything we do,” said Nick Giannasi, CEO of Aspirion. “Earning HITRUST r2 Certification for our Compass and DocIQ platforms reflects the significant investment we’ve made in building secure, trustworthy systems for healthcare providers. The sensitivity of the data we handle demands rigorous, continuously evolving controls, and this certification provides independent validation that those protections are in place.”

Built on the HITRUST Assurance Program, this achievement reflects independent third-party testing, centralized quality assurance, and certification backed by HITRUST’s Cyber Threat-Adaptive engine. These elements ensure continuous alignment with the latest threat intelligence and evolving standards across NIST, ISO, and OWASP.

“The HITRUST Assurance Program is rigorous and reliable because of the comprehensiveness of control requirements, depth of review, and consistency of oversight,” said Bimal Sheth, EVP, Standards Development & Assurance Operations at HITRUST. “HITRUST Certification demonstrates Aspirion is taking the most proactive approach to cybersecurity, data protection, and risk management.”

To learn more about HITRUST 2-year (r2) Certification, visit the HITRUST website at www.hitrustalliance.net. For more information about Aspirion, visit www.aspirion.com.

About Aspirion

Aspirion helps hospitals and health systems nationwide recover earned revenue from their most complex and difficult-to-resolve claims. Deploying proprietary AI and a specialized team of attorneys, clinicians, and claims experts, Aspirion overturns denials, recovers underpayments, and maximizes out-of-network and complex claim reimbursement—getting providers paid accurately, quickly, and transparently so they can focus on delivering affordable, accessible care. To learn more, visit www.aspirion.com.

Media Contact

Erin Haynie
Vice President, Marketing
Aspirion
erin.haynie@aspirion.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aspirion-achieves-hitrust-r2-certification-reinforcing-trust-and-security-across-its-ai-powered-revenue-cycle-platforms-302800805.html

SOURCE Aspirion

Continue Reading

Trending