Assay Released for Free Protein S Antigen Testing

An assay for easy, specific, and stable free protein S antigen (PS Ag) testing employs polystyrene particles coated with monoclonal antibodies for specific determination of free protein S (PS).

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics (Tarrytown, NY, USA) unveiled its INNOVANCE Free PS Ag assay, which will help labs complete their thrombophilia testing portfolio on the company's automated hemostasis systems. The test is not available for sale in the USA.

A plasma protein manufactured in the liver, Protein S is an anticoagulant that functions as a cofactor for protein C-mediated inhibition of activated factors V and VIII. Those with protein S deficiency, whether congenital or acquired, are at greater risk for venous thrombosis. Therefore, testing for protein S plays an important role in thrombophilia screening.

The new test complements Siemens' existing protein S activity assay (Protein S Ac) and enables the company to provide a complete protein S testing menu to labs. When combined with existing Siemens thrombophilia assays—all optimized for use with the Siemens BCS and Sysmex analyzers—the INNOVANCE Free PS Ag assay completes clinical labs’ thrombophilia testing portfolio.

The INNOVANCE Free PS Ag assay demonstrates linearity and precision over the calibrated measuring range, as well as specificity for free protein S antigens with no major interferences, including those commonly incurred from rheumatoid factors and heterophilic antibodies.

“Specificity, stability, and ease of use are key drivers behind a laboratory’s confidence in an assay, as these factors directly contribute to results accuracy and decreased error potential,” said Michael Noeh, vice president, Global Marketing Hematology, Hemostasis, and Specialty Business Unit, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “The Siemens INNOVANCE Free PS Ag assay not only successfully delivers these key factors; it also enables laboratories to complete their thrombophilia testing panel.”

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