Roche Laboratories in Pleasanton, California has announced a
new HIV test. This test may prove to be beneficial in finally ended the
HIV/AIDS epidemic. This test has a unique, dual target design that yields more
reliable results effectively and confidently. It tests for two separate regions
of the HIV genome 1, allowing more opportunity to detect positive HIV results
and can be tested on both blood and plasma. Along with being able to detect HIV
in multiple ways, this test is extremely convenient and portable. Using a
collection card, the amount of blood to be stored or transported decreases, and
even works on dried blood and samples don’t need to be refrigerated. The dual
target HIV-1 drug test can show if an infant is HIV positive as early as 6
weeks old.
Because this new test is so portable, it could be the
turning point for managing AIDS across the globe, especially in Southern
African countries where AIDS is most prominent. Because the collection cards
are so small, they are practical for transportation in a Sub-Saharan African country.
Also, samples do not require refrigeration, making them more manageable to
transfer as there are few places in this region where refrigerators are
present. By taking less blood in the samples, the sampling process is
drastically improved for people being tested, especially children.
The dual target HIV-1 test could really be valuable in the
fight against AIDS. Finding out if a child is HIV positive at only 6 weeks
allows for the appropriate care and support to be determined for the child
early on, giving them their best chance at a good life. This test can be used
in multiple settings and makes the testing process much easier as well,
allowing it to be suitable for world-wide use.
http://www.pleasantonweekly.com/news/2014/02/18/roche-announces-launch-of-new-hiv-tests-suitable-for-world-wide-use
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