Abbott Laboratories Introduces First Fully Automated Test for Hepatitis A Virus
27 Juillet 2004 - 5:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
Abbott Laboratories Introduces First Fully Automated Test for
Hepatitis A Virus -AxSYM(R) HAVAB-M(TM) 2.0 Assay Detects the IgM
Antibody to Hepatitis A Providing Diagnostic Laboratories With a
Simple and Convenient Test- LOS ANGELES, July 27
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today at the annual meeting of the
American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC), Abbott
Laboratories introduced the first fully automated hepatitis A assay
in the United States for its widely used AxSYM(R) automated
immunoassay instrument system. Used to diagnose an acute or recent
hepatitis A viral infection, the AxSYM(R) HAVAB- M(TM) 2.0 assay
detects the IgM antibody to hepatitis A (IgM anti-HAV). Abbott will
be introducing additional AxSYM hepatitis assays in the United
States throughout 2004 and continuing into 2005. Produced by the
body when it is initially exposed to the hepatitis A virus (HAV),
IgM anti-HAV levels peak within the first month of illness and can
usually be detected during the first three to six months of
infection. By fully automating this assay, laboratories now have
available a sensitive and specific test that is easy-to-use,
enhances workflow productivity and provides a time to first result
in as little as 20 minutes. "By developing and introducing many of
the world's first hepatitis assays, Abbott has set the standard for
viral hepatitis testing. Abbott's hepatitis tests are used everyday
for blood screening and diagnostic testing," said Joseph M.
Nemmers, senior vice president, Diagnostic Operations, Abbott
Laboratories. "For the hepatitis A virus, our AxSYM HAVAB-M assay
now provides laboratories with an efficient and effective
diagnostic test for this disease." Utilizing micro-particle enzyme
immunoassay testing (MEIA) methodology, the AxSYM HAVAB-M assay
provides laboratories with a simple and convenient test that has
excellent correlation to Abbott's well-known IMx(R) HAVAB-M assay
and EIA HAVAB(R)-M assay. Combined with the reliability, accuracy
and convenience of the AxSYM immunoassay system, laboratories can
process a variety of immunodiagnostic tests simultaneously, up to
80 to 120 tests per hour. During the AACC, Abbott will be
supporting a variety of hepatitis activities including a scientific
workshop on Viral Hepatitis Diagnosis and its Challenges for the
Modern Laboratory taking place on Thursday, July 29 at 7 a.m. PST.
Also, based on the number of AACC attendees that visit the Abbott
Diagnostics exhibit, Abbott will make a contribution to Hepatitis
Foundation International (HFI), a non-profit organization focused
on raising hepatitis awareness by educating the public, patients
and professionals about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
viral hepatitis. "Abbott's dedication to raising hepatitis
awareness is evident from its history and commitment to the
disease," said Thelma King Thiel, chairman and chief executive
officer, Hepatitis Foundation International. "The symptoms
associated with viral hepatitis may vary from one individual to
another. Some people who acquire hepatitis have no symptoms at all
and do not realize that they can transmit the virus to others.
That's why it's important to continue to raise awareness about this
disease." According to the World Health Organization, an estimated
1.5 million clinical cases of hepatitis A occur each year. Symptoms
typically include fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea and abdominal
discomfort, occasionally followed by dark urine and jaundice.
Abbott Laboratories is a global, broad-based health care company
devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of
pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals,
devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 55,000
people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.
Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the
company's Web site at http://www.abbott.com/ . DATASOURCE: Abbott
Laboratories CONTACT: Media, Amy Woodworth, +1-847-935-4755, or
Financial Community, Christy Wistar, +1-847-938-4475, both of
Abbott Laboratories Web site: http://www.abbott.com/ Company News
On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/110328.html
Copyright