QuidelOrtho Completes Acquisition of LEX Diagnostics

Expands Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics Portfolio with Ultra-Fast PCR Platform

Apr. 20, 2026 at 11:37am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a sleek, modern medical diagnostic device in a polished metallic finish, floating elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background and bathed in dramatic studio lighting to symbolize advanced technology and precision.QuidelOrtho's acquisition of LEX Diagnostics brings a cutting-edge molecular diagnostics platform designed to deliver lab-quality results in minutes, empowering healthcare providers to make faster, more informed decisions.San Diego Today

QuidelOrtho Corporation, a global leader in in vitro diagnostics, has completed the acquisition of LEX Diagnostics for approximately $100 million. The acquisition expands QuidelOrtho's molecular diagnostics portfolio with the LEX VELO System, a breakthrough platform that can deliver highly sensitive, multiplex RT-PCR testing for Influenza A, Influenza B and COVID-19 in approximately 6-10 minutes directly from a swab sample.

Why it matters

The acquisition of LEX marks a critical milestone in QuidelOrtho's strategy to accelerate growth in the fast-growing point-of-care molecular diagnostics market. The LEX VELO System's rapid, lab-quality results are designed to empower healthcare providers to make faster, more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes.

The details

The LEX VELO System received FDA 510(k) clearance and CLIA waiver in February 2026. Its proprietary cartridge-based design eliminates the need for external liquid handling, delivering speed, reliability and ease of use in decentralized care environments. QuidelOrtho expects to initiate the U.S. commercial launch of the LEX VELO System later this year, with global expansion to follow pending local regulatory approvals.

  • The acquisition of LEX Diagnostics was completed on April 20, 2026.
  • The LEX VELO System received FDA 510(k) clearance and CLIA waiver in February 2026.

The players

QuidelOrtho Corporation

A global leader of innovative in vitro diagnostics, providing solutions across clinical chemistry, immunoassay, immunohematology and molecular testing.

LEX Diagnostics

The developer of the LEX VELO System, a breakthrough molecular diagnostics platform designed to deliver rapid, lab-quality results for Influenza A, Influenza B and COVID-19.

Brian J. Blaser

President and Chief Executive Officer of QuidelOrtho.

Ed Farrell

Chief Executive Officer of LEX Diagnostics.

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What they’re saying

“The FDA clearance of the LEX VELO System and the completion of our acquisition of LEX mark a pivotal moment for QuidelOrtho and for our customers. This ultra-fast PCR platform is designed to deliver lab-quality results in minutes and fits seamlessly into point-of-care workflows. It empowers providers to act faster, make better-informed decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”

— Brian J. Blaser, President and Chief Executive Officer of QuidelOrtho

“LEX achieved an extraordinary milestone with FDA clearance and CLIA waiver of the LEX VELO System. We are proud to join QuidelOrtho and to bring this technology to customers worldwide. We believe we can redefine what is possible in point-of-care molecular diagnostics.”

— Ed Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of LEX

What’s next

QuidelOrtho expects to initiate the U.S. commercial launch of the LEX VELO System later this year, with global expansion to follow pending local regulatory approvals.

The takeaway

The acquisition of LEX Diagnostics and the FDA clearance of the LEX VELO System represent a significant milestone for QuidelOrtho, as the company expands its molecular diagnostics portfolio and advances its strategy to bring innovative, rapid point-of-care testing solutions to healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.