Revenue during the quarter surged 46.44 percent to $73.69 million from $50.32 million in the previous year period. Gross margin for the quarter expanded 627 basis points over the previous year period to 68.02 percent. Operating margin for the quarter period stood at positive 26.09 percent as compared to a negative 6.88 percent for the previous year period.

Operating income for the quarter was $19.23 million, compared with an operating loss of $3.46 million in the previous year period.

"The respiratory disease season was severe and lasted well into April, which was largely dominated by the circulation of a virulent H3N2 strain of influenza, which increased diagnostic test usage, and created a favorable competitive environment for our Sofia, QuickVue and Solana brands. Commensurate with the robust flu season, Strep test utilization grew by 42% in the quarter, as our Virena data showed prolonged, elevated positivity rates nationwide, especially among the 0-6 year old and 6-12 year old cohorts," said Douglas Bryant, president and chief executive officer of Quidel Corporation. "Our Sofia instrument placements increased by 50% from the first quarter of the prior year, while Solana instrument placements during that same time period more than doubled, which leaves us optimistic that these incremental placements will further drive test utilization in the near- to mid-term."