Abbott Diagnostics introduces Prism HCV test

Abbott Diagnostics has announced the introduction of its Prism HCV test following its regulatory approval, with the test to be used by laboratory technicians for the individual screening of blood and plasma for hepatitis C (HCV) antibodies.

The Prism diagnostic tool is currently used in over 30 countries worldwide and has recently received approval as a test for HCV from the US Food and Drug Administration, with further retrovirus tests currently being reviewed by the regulator.

It was first approved for three hepatitis B tests; Prism HBCore – a core hepatitis B test and HBsAg and HBsAg Confirmatory – two hepatitis B surface antigen tests.

William E Brown III, vice-president of diagnostic assays and systems development at Abbott, said: “The introduction of the Prism HCV test reinforces Abbott’s role as a leader in ensuring the safety of the world’s blood supply.”

He added that through the use of this diagnostic system, the company would be able to help laboratories achieve improved efficiency and safety for technicians while continuing to support the needs of infectious-disease testing.

Earlier this week, Abbott announced that it had terminated its contract with GE for the sale of its core laboratory and point-of-care diagnostics operations by mutual agreement, after the firms failed to reach a consensus on the final terms and conditions of the transaction.

The company reported that this decision would have no impact on its previously-released earnings-per-share guidance for the second quarter of 2007 or its full results, with its forecast for 2008 earnings also unaffected.