Siemens launches new assay for Graves’ disease

Siemens has announced the launch of the first automated quantitative thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) assay for use in the differential diagnosis of Graves' disease

The Siemens TSI assay is designed to specifically detect only thyroid stimulating antibodies – the hallmark of Graves' disease – meaning it offers a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 98.3 percent and 99.7 percent respectively.

As a fast, easy and precise diagnostic tool, it will aid the detection of an autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 32 million people worldwide. The most common form of hyperthyroidism, it can lead to miscarriage, birth defects, thyroid eye disease and death.

The assay is available on the Siemens IMMULITE 2000 and IMMULITE 2000 XPi immunoassay systems.

Franz Walt, president of Siemens' healthcare laboratory diagnostics business area, said: "Siemens is very proud to offer the first automated quantitative thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin assay on the market. This innovation eliminates the need for manual preparations and long incubation times."

This comes after the firm launched its new Innovance Heparin Assay for the BCS XP System and the Sysmex CS-2000i, CS-2100i and the CS-5100 Systems earlier this month.