Quidel Says FDA Clears QuickVue Swine Flu Version

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration approved a version of Quidel Corp.'s QuickVue flu test that can detect swine flu, the company said Thursday.

Quidel said the FDA approved a package insert that includes cultures taken from swine flu strains. The QuickVue Influenza A+B test can detect the flu within about 10 minutes after a swab is taken from a patient's nose. The company said QuickVue test sales surged in the third quarter, and it is now producing the tests seven days a week to meet demand.

Shares of Quidel advanced 52 cents, or 3 percent, to $17.76 in premarket activity.