Abbott’s Longford facility plays key role in development and manufacture of new heart attack test

Global healthcare and pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories has developed a new diagnostic test to aid doctors in evaluating whether a person is having a heart attack.

The ‘Architect Stat hsTnl’ test could reduce diagnosis time by several hours when compared to standard troponin tests, and preliminary results from a recent study also suggest that it may help medical professionals improve the diagnosis and prognosis of patients presenting with heart attack symptoms.

Abbott’s diagnostics facility in Longford town played an integral role in supporting research and development in conjunction with a sister plant in the USA. Abbott Longford will manufacture Architect Stat hsTnl test kits for worldwide use.

Abbott Longford was chosen to manufacture this innovative product because of our strong record of compliance, emphasis on quality, ability to bring products to market efficiently, the security of our manufacturing environment, and the quality of our technical and operational staff,” said Stefan Molitor, Site Director at Abbott Diagnostics Longford. “Abbott’s employees are driven by the constant goal of advancing medical science to help people live healthier lives. I am very proud of the team here in Longford who have played, and will continue to play, a significant role in the success of this diagnostic test around the world.”

The company’s Longford plant already manufactures assays that detect cardiac problems, thyroid disorders, metabolic abnormalities, and indicators of fertility and pregnancy.

The Architect Stat hsTnl test will be initially used at the Mater Misericordiae University and Mater Private hospitals in Dublin and it is envisaged that it will be adopted by other key cardiology centres throughout Ireland in due course.