The FINANCIAL — New test for the Roche serology assay portfolio helps specialists to identify HTLV-I/II infection in donated blood and diagnostic samples.
On July 22, Roche announced the market availability* of the Elecsys® HTLV-I/II immunoassay, a diagnostic test to help detect antibodies against Human T-lymphotropic virus I or II infection in donated blood and routine diagnostic samples. Designed for the needs of blood centres and clinical laboratories for reliable and efficient detection of this infection, the test enhances Roche’s blood screening portfolio in serology testing. This test complements the most comprehensive diagnostics offering for blood safety solutions available on the market on July 22, according to F. Hoffmann-La Roche .
“Globally there are around 20 million people infected with HTLV-I/II, many of whom are unknown carriers. If the virus is undetected in donors, the risk of spreading the infection increases,” said Roland Diggelmann, Chief Operating Officer of the Roche Diagnostics Division. “Roche is uniquely positioned to help blood centers improve their testing efficiency, based on our broad assay portfolio and integrated molecular and serology laboratory solutions .“
Thanks to its excellent sensitivity, the test minimizes the likelihood of missing early or chronic HTLV infections, therefore, reducing the risk of transmission. Its high specificity facilitates a clear and consistent interpretation of results at all disease stages with a minimal need for re-testing, providing maximum efficiency gains for the laboratory and patient safety. Moreover, the efficient test procedure enables healthcare professionals to run a single test within 18 minutes, ensuring the safe and timely supply of blood products.
