Rapid Tests for Epstein-Barr Virus Employ Recombinant Antigen Technology
By Labmedica staff writers
Posted on 21 Apr 2008
Two new rapid tests for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) detect IgM and IgG antibodies specific to EBV.Posted on 21 Apr 2008
The new Tru EBV tests are highly sensitive for specific antibodies that can classify acute and chronic stages of the disease. The Tru EBV test system is a simple, sensitive, and rapid approach that allows healthcare providers to diagnose more precisely EBV infections.
EBV is the primary cause of infectious mononucleosis. Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (Nivelles, Belgium) launched the two new rapid tests for EBV: Tru EBV-M and Tru EBV-G. The current rapid methods for the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis rely primarily on the patient's symptoms and nonspecific heterophile antibody testing.
The virus has also been implicated in a number of benign and malignant disorders, including Hodgkin's disease and certain lymphomas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; Atlanta, GA, USA), as many as 95% of adults aged 35-40 have been infected with EBV.
Jack Kraeutler, Meridien's CEO, said, "Epstein-Barr viral infections are very common and can cause a variety of mild to severe disease outcomes including infectious mononucleosis and certain lymphomas. These new EBV tests will be important tools that enable labs to accurately detect both acute as well as chronic Epstein-Barr infections. Tru EBV-M and Tru EBV-G are based upon our newest test platform, which offers rapid, accurate results in a contained system. Tru EBV-M and Tru EBV-G will be distributed by Meridian Bioscience Europe for the company's European markets.”
Meridian is a fully integrated life science company that manufactures, markets, and distributes a broad range of innovative diagnostic test kits, purified reagents and related products, and offers biopharmaceutical-enabling technologies. Utilizing a variety of methods, these products and diagnostic tests provide accuracy, simplicity, and speed in the early diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, viral, and respiratory infections. Meridian's diagnostic products are used outside of the human body and they require little or no special equipment.
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