Healthcare Alliance Offers Real-Time PCR Test for HIV

A healthcare alliance has offered a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to its members.

The new HIV-monitoring test, the Cobas TaqMan 48 Analyzer and Cobas TaqMan analyzer, is a fully automated, closed-tube system that makes molecular testing practical for everyday lab use. This real-time PCR analyzer is compact and robust, provides a broad linear range, and integrates easily into the lab.

Premier (San Diego, CA, USA) added the new Roche (Basel, Switzerland) HIV-1 monitoring test, Cobas TaqMan 48 analyzer and Cobas TaqMan analyzer, to an existing three-year molecular contract so that customers could combine the Cobas Ampliprep, which was included in the existing molecular contract, with the Cobas TaqMan and the docking station to experience full automation.

Premier Inc., a large U.S. healthcare alliance, gave its 1,700 hospital members access to the Roche Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan® HIV-1 assay--the only real-time PCR test for HIV offered to its members.

"Adding the Roche HIV-1 monitoring test to Premier's menu is consistent with our mission to quickly roll out the highest level of innovation to our customers,” said John Biggers, group vice president of sourcing at Premier. "Premier also added Cobas TaqMan 48 Analyzer, Cobas TaqMan analyzer and Roche's unique docking station so that customers could take advantage of the test's full automation while offering to their patients the most advanced HIV-1 monitoring assay based on 11 years of experience in HIV monitoring.”

Roche introduced the fully automated Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan in response to customers' needs for a system that could allow their molecular laboratory technicians to load samples and walk away, not returning until the sample results are ready.

"Molecular technicians are in high demand,” said Susan Zienowicz, vice president for molecular diagnostics of Roche Diagnostics. "In creating the Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 assay, we provide labs with another strategy to help them leverage their employees' time and get more done in the lab.”

Owned by not-for profit hospitals, Premier operates a large healthcare purchasing network, and a comprehensive repository of hospital clinical and financial information.


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