Meridian Bioscience has received FDA clearance for TRU Legionella, a new rapid assay for detection of legionellosis.

TRU Legionella provides optimized detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 that is most commonly associated with Legionnaire's disease.

TRU Legionella allows the laboratories with a cost effective and rapid result for Legionella detection, the company said.

Legionellosis is characterized by non-specific upper respiratory symptoms.

Meridian Bioscience chief executive officer John Kraeutler said TRU Legionella provides labs with an accurate tool that can speed the detection of an under-diagnosed pathogen enabling rapid treatment for the patient.

"TRU Legionella is in distribution, via Meridian Bioscience Europe, for our European customers," Kraeutler added.