BioMérieux Launches WATCHFIRE™: A New PCR Test for Wastewater Surveillance

BioMérieux, a leader in in vitro diagnostics, has announced the launch of WATCHFIRE™, a molecular testing solution designed to detect viruses and bacteria in wastewater. The WATCHFIRE™ Respiratory Panel targets 22 pathogens and operates on the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® TORCH system, using FIREWORKS™ software for real-time pathogen monitoring.

This testing method, known as Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance (WES), gained prominence during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. It complements clinical surveillance and is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings, offering crucial health insights and aiding public health authorities in making informed decisions.

WATCHFIRE™ enables decentralized or near-source lab testing with a multiplex PCR test that delivers results in about 45 minutes. The panel will be available globally in Q2 2025, followed by a gastrointestinal panel in Q3.