Abbott to launch new testosterone measurement assay

Abbott has announced the launch of the Architect 2nd Generation Testosterone Assay, a system that allows the hormone to be measured at extremely low levels.

Suitable for both male and female patients, the new testing system is more sensitive, accurate and precise than previous versions of the assay, making it more reliable when dealing with small quantities.

It runs on Abbott’s fully-automated Architect family of analysers and can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of male conditions such as hypogonadism, delayed or precocious puberty and impotence, as well as hirsutism, virilisation due to tumours, polycystic ovaries and androgenital syndromes in women.

The device has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration and is also being introduced in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Japan, Africa, the Middle East and India.

Dr Frank Quinn,director of global scientific affairs for endocrinology at Abbott, said: "The improved assay performance means physicians will be able to obtain more reliable measurements of testosterone and use this information to help guide patient treatment decisions."

Abbott is soon to be separated into two distinct businesses, with the Abbott name being retained by its medical technology arm, while the pharmaceuticals division will take on the name AbbVie.