STMicrolectronics NV, Europe’s largest semiconductor maker and medical diagnostics research company Veredus Laboratories launched Monday a chip capable of detecting and identifying within two hours major types of influenza, including the H5N1 avian flu strain.

"ST sees new high growth opportunities in the healthcare market, especially in areas like patient care," said Francois Guibert, STMicro's Asia Pacific chief executive, at a briefing in Singapore on Monday marking the commecial launch, Reuters reports.

The new VereFlu chip combines two existing molecular tests – Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and microrray – a “world first,” according to Veredus CEO, Dr. Rosemary Tan. The launch comes after a six-month trial at Singapore’s National University Hospital, which fulfilled the manufacturers’ expectations.

Unlike existing diagnostic methods, VereFlu is a breakthrough molecular diagnostic test that can detect infection with high accuracy and sensitivity. The device can differentiate human strains of the Influenza A and B viruses, drug-resistant strains and mutated variants, including the Avian Flu of H5N1 strain.

“It’s a challenge to know which strain will be the next pandemic strain, so it’s essential to have a test to quickly detect and have knowledge of what type of flu [exists] in a short time. This unique capability can significantly increase the effectiveness of flu vaccination and reduce public health risks associated with the emergence of a new flu virus,” Dr. Tan said.

VereFlu is intented for use at clinics, immigration checkpoints or farms caught in a pandemic. The kit, like a thermal scanner could be used at airports to screen people arriving from places with flu outbreaks.

The two companies also plan to jointly develop the technology to diagnose sexually transmitted infections, cancer and heart disease.