Test Screens for Divergent HIVs

A nucleic acid (NA) test screens for the presence of two divergent types of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in donated blood, plasma, and tissue. The test screens tissue specimens obtained while the donor's heart is still beating.

The large chemical compounds that make up the genetic material in living cells are commonly called nucleic acids. The new test detects nucleic acid from HIV-2 and from HIV-1 Group O. HIV-2 infections and HIV-1 Group O infections are predominantly found on the African continent. Some cases of infection with these two types of viruses have also been detected in the United States.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Rockville, MD, USA) approved the new test, which is called the cobas TaqScreen MPX test, manufactured by Roche Molecular Systems Inc., (Pleasanton, CA, USA). The test runs on the fully automated cobas s 201 system--it simultaneously detects nucleic acid from HIV-2, HIV-1 group O, HIV-1 group M, as well as the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).

"With the MPX test, blood donor testing laboratories will be able to use nucleic acid technology to screen for additional HIV strains, further assuring that donated blood and tissue are free from infection and providing better protection for patients,” said Jesse L. Goodman, M.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA's center for biologics evaluation and research.

Related Links:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Roche Molecular Systems Inc.