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cobas® Respiratory flex
Centralized syndromic PCR testing with the flexibility to test just what is relevant and needed
cobas® Respiratory flex for use on the cobas® 5800/6800/8800 systems is an automated, multiplex nucleic acid test that utilizes real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and temperature activation of signal (TAGS) technology for simultaneous in vitro qualitative detection and differentiation of up to 12 viral results.
cobas Respiratory flex gives labs the flexibility to tailor and test just what’s needed. Existing cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems are ready right now without any system hardware or system software upgrade required. Labs can now simplify respiratory testing logistics by offering a customizable solution out of one test kit.
Gold standard PCR testing for quick and accurate identification of respiratory infections
Acute respiratory tract infections are significant causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality.1-5 Many acute respiratory illnesses present with similar symptoms, and because different types of treatment are available for some, it’s important to quickly identify the viral pathogen causing symptoms. Quick and accurate identification can lead to proper treatment within an effective time frame and help prevent further transmission.
From an accuracy standpoint, PCR is the gold standard. Beyond accuracy, which viral pathogens need to be tested often depends on a number of variables. Many institutions or labs define a testing algorithm where specific targets get tested first, then follow up testing occurs for certain patients based on initial results. To meet the requirements of their algorithm, many labs utilize a mix of single target (focused) tests and multiplex tests on a variety of platforms. This can result in duplicate testing, extra turnaround time and/or the need for additional patient samples which can delay treatment and impact patient care and costs.
Empowering PCR testing with TAGS technology
Experience the power of TAGS with cobas Respiratory flex - one test, 15 results, available in a single well on your existing cobas® x800 instrument. Watch and discover the future of efficient PCR diagnosis!
cobas Respiratory flex test clinical performance*
View full tablecobas Respiratory flex test clinical performance*
Target virus |
PPA |
NPA |
Influenza A |
100.0% |
99.1% |
Influenza B |
100.0% |
99.8% |
RSV |
96.0% |
99.8% |
SARS-CoV-2 |
98.4% |
98.2% |
Adenovirus |
100.0% |
98.4% |
Human Metapneumovirus |
96.3% |
99.8% |
Enterovirus and Rhinovirus |
83.9% |
98.4% |
Common Human Coronaviruses (229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43) |
96.4% |
97.3% |
Parainfluenza virus 1 |
100.0% |
99.3% |
Parainfluenza virus 2 |
100.0% |
99.6% |
Parainfluenza virus 3 |
95.8% |
99.9% |
Parainfluenza virus 4 |
97.4% |
99.5% |
cobas Respiratory flex test specifications
View full tablecobas Respiratory flex test specifications
Product specification |
Value |
Targets |
Influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus (species B, C, and E), human metapneumovirus, human rhinovirus/enterovirus, common human coronaviruses (229E, HKU1, NL63, OC43), parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
Sample type |
Nasopharyngeal swab samples collected in Copan Universal Transport Medium System (UTM-RT®) or BD™ Universal Viral Transport System (UVT) or equivalent |
Minimum amount of sample |
0.4 mL |
Technology |
First assay using Roche’s proprietary TAGS technology (Temperature Activated Generation of Signal) to enable higher multiplex within existing hardware and system software. |
Size |
192 tests |
Open kit stability |
90 days with 40 re-uses |
Related products
* cobas® Respiratory flex for use on cobas 5800/6800/8800 systems. Instructions for Use, Pleasanton, CA; Roche Molecular Systems.
References
- Ferkol T, Schraufnagel D. The global burden of respiratory disease. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2014;11:404-6.
- Ghebrehewet S, MacPherson P, Ho A. Influenza. BMJ. 2016;355:i6258.
- World Health Organization. The global burden of disease: 2004 update. [Internet; cited 2025 Jul 22]. Available from: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/43942/9789241563710_eng.pdf?sequence=1.
- Shi T, McAllister DA, O’Brien KL, et al. Global, regional, and national disease burden estimates of acute lower respiratory infections due to respiratory syncytial virus in young children in 2015: A systematic review and modelling study. Lancet. 2017;390:946-58.
- Mokdad AH, Marks JS, Stroup DF, Gerberding JL. Actual causes of death in the United States, 2000. JAMA. 2004;291:1238-45.