SAN DIEGO -- A San Diego-based biotech company that develops tests for various diseases has bought a company that specializes in influenza testing, 10News reported.

Gen-Probe has developed a number of tests for different diseases ranging from HIV to hepatitis C to West Nile virus. The company has not developed a flu test, but purchase of Wisconsin-based Prodesse allows them to do so.

"We think this is a real business with real revenue, real profit. It puts us in the segment of a market we weren't currently playing in" said Gen-Probe Vice President Michael Watts.

Gen-Probe expects the acquisition of Prodesse will mean an additional $15 million in revenues next year.

Prodesse's flu test is used at several local hospitals, including Scripps. Testing Director Leslie Caskey said the test is both fast and accurate.

"You don't get false positives or false negatives," she said.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Prodesse's test for swine flu to be used in research. It should be approved for general use in patients soon.

The sale, for $60 million, has been approved by both parties, and it should be finalized in a few weeks.