HIV-1 Qualitative Assay Improves Testing Access in Remote Areas

A new qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) test produces highly accurate results from dried blood spot and plasma specimens.

The diagnostic tool can be used by health officials in African nations and other resource-limited areas to detect HIV-1 infected infants at early stages and begin treatment when success is more likely.

Abbott (Abbot Park, IL, USA) has received the CE marking for the new assay, which reports qualitative results of HIV-1 total nucleic acids from human plasma and dried blood spots. The assay is highly sensitive for detecting HIV in pediatric and adult specimens. The test is designed to aid in diagnosing HIV infection in children and adults and is not intended for screening blood donors.

The assay is performed on Abbott's automated, high-throughput m2000 system. It detects both DNA and RNA of HIV-1. Dried blood spot samples are more convenient for testing infants because only a small volume of sample is needed and the sample remains stable under various environmental conditions.

Kristina Rodnikova, divisional vice president and general manager of Abbott's molecular diagnostics business in Europe said, "Early detection of infants with HIV is now more practical and possible in remote areas because a drop of blood can be applied to a paper card for HIV testing, which allows for easy collection, transport, and storage. The sample can be stored at room temperature and will remain stable for three months."

The new RealTime HIV-1 qualitative assay will be available for diagnostic laboratories and supplied to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and health agencies collaborating with the Ministries of Health in countries most affected by the epidemic.

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