Molecular Tests Detect Epstein Bar and BK Viruses

Molecular tests aid in detecting infectious disease viruses for organ transplant and other immunocompromised patients.

Two new Simplexa-branded molecular test kits enable hospital labs to perform advanced molecular testing for Epstein-Barr (EBV) and BK viruses. They are the first products from the Simplexa line to aid in the clinical management of patients with compromised immunity.

Simplexa tests, running on the 3M Integrated Cycler, employ real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic technologies to detect viruses, bacteria, and other agents qualitatively and quantitatively. The EBV test is performed on whole blood specimens and the BK virus test is performed on either urine or plasma specimens to quantitatively detect the viruses.

Most healthy people are infected with EBV and BK polyomavirus at some point during their lives. After the primary infection, the viruses typically become latent in the body. However, the viruses can reactivate when the immune system is significantly weakened, for example after organ transplantation, and cause fever, organ rejection, and even death.

Quest Diagnostics Inc., (Madison, NJ, USA) a provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services, announced that the two new Simplexa-branded molecular test kits developed by its Focus Diagnostics (Cypress, CA, USA) business have been CE marked for distribution to approximately 35 countries in Europe.

"The success of solid organ transplantation can hinge on how well a physician detects and prevents complications from infectious diseases like EBV and BK," said John G Hurrell, PhD, vice president and general manager, Focus Diagnostics. "CE marking of our new Simplexa EBV and BK virus tests will enable hospital and other labs in Europe to generate reliable results quickly in their own labs, an important advantage for managing these patients."

In April 2011, the Simplexa/3M technology won a 2011 Edison Award for new science and medical diagnostic product, based on criteria that included technological innovation and marketplace success.

Related Links:
Quest Diagnostics
Focus Diagnostics