The assay contains both the HIV antibody as well as the HIV p24 antigen marker for the early detection of the HIV virus. Early detection means that antiretroviral therapy can be initiated on a more immediate basis.
Additional benefits afforded by the Combo –HIV assay are the fact the typical 21 day window period has been cut down to 12 days.
Melanie Lyon, Product Manager for Immunochemistry at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics explains that the assay is a fourth generation combination test, which has been developed to measure specificity as well as sensitivity. In this way, any false positives are ruled out and results are more accurate.
“In addition, insurance companies require that fourth generation tests are utilised as part of their protocol,” she continues. This is important, as the third generation tests will only detect HIV antibodies over a 21 day period. “Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics will however, continue to manufacture the third generation test, in addition to the HIV-Combo assay – unlike many of our competitors,” she adds.
The assay will be launched to Siemens’ major customers such as Ampath, Lancet, NHRS, Global and Pathcare. Dr Hans IJpelaar will be speaking at the launch. Dr IJpelaar is the senior marketing manager for infectious diseases at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and expert on the HIV virus. He will be providing an update on the Combo-HIV assay.
Furthermore, Dr Terry Marshall, expert Virologist at Ampath will be providing a testimonial to validate the assay.
“Essentially the launch of the Combo-HIV assay means that our customers are working with the most up to date solutions for infectious disease testing in their laboratories and will be abreast of their competitors,” Melanie concludes.