New CMV Molecular Test Kit Available in Europe

A Cytomegalovirus (CMV) test employs the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to quantitatively detect CMV in whole blood specimens and plasma.

The new Simplexa Cytomegalovirus molecular test kit will be distributed to approximately 35 countries in Europe. The test is designed to enable hospital labs to perform advanced molecular testing for CMV, a potentially fatal virus infection in individuals with compromised immunity, in particular patients undergoing organ transplantation.

Focus Diagnostics (Cypress, CA, USA) has CE marked the new Simplexa CMV test on the 3M (St Paul, MN, USA) Integrated Cycler. The company now offers one of the most comprehensive molecular transplant-testing menus in Europe

The Simplexa CMV and other Simplexa tests were showcased by Focus Diagnostics at the MEDICA 2011 International Trade Fair with Congress–World Forum for Medicine, held November 16-19, 2011, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

In early 2011, Simplexa Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Simplexa BK quantitative assays were granted CE-IVD status. Focus Diagnostics also offers molecular primer pairs for the development of laboratory tests, including John Cunningham virus (JCV), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), Adenovirus and Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6).

Like other members of the herpes virus family, CMV is typically latent after primary infection. It can reactivate when the immune system is significantly weakened, such as following organ transplantation, and cause fever, organ rejection, and even death.

In 2011, the Simplexa/3M technology won gold Medical Design Excellence Award in the in vitro diagnostics category and an Edison Award for new science and medical diagnostic product.

Related Links:
Focus Diagnostics