Siemens launches new assay for hepatitis C detection

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has announced the introduction of a new hepatitis C virus (HCV) assay for use with the Versant kPCR Molecular System.

The Versant HCV RNA 1.0 Assay has received CE Mark accreditation for use in Europe and Australia, representing a potentially valuable enhancement to antiviral therapy procedures for HCV.

Response-guided therapy for the disease is recommended by the European Association for the Study of the Liver, including through the monitoring of treatment efficacy via a real-time PCR-based assay.

Siemens' new product has a detection limit of 15 IU per ml, offers outstanding precision across the dynamic range and 100 percent specificity, as well as being compatible with all HCV genotypes.

"This new, highly sensitive automated viral load assay is an important addition to the company's portfolio of diagnostic solutions for managing patients with liver disease," said a Siemens statement.

Last month, the company announced a new marketing agreement with Bio-Rad for the Immulite and Dimension Systems.