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AcroMetrix Makes Progress in HCV Lab Diagnostics

March 5, 2009

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AcroMetrix announces proprietary technology for laboratories to improve cost, consistency and accuracy in determining Hepatitis C virus test results.

AcroMetrix Announces the Release of OptiQuant-S Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Panel

BENICIA, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- AcroMetrix, a leading manufacturer of molecular quality control standards and controls for clinical diagnostic and blood testing laboratories, announced today the release of the OptiQuant-S HCV RNA Quantification Panel. This new panel utilizes AcroMetrix's proprietary SynTura(TM) Technology and provides laboratories with a critical component to fully optimize the Hepatitis C molecular assays available in today's market.

Viral Hepatitis B and C now account for greater than 75% of all cases of liver disease around the world(1). HCV patients are routinely monitored for changes in the amount of virus (i.e. viral load) present in the patient when undergoing therapy for the disease. Physicians rely on the accuracy of the viral load test result provided by the laboratory to adjust and manage the drug regiment for the patient.

"OptiQuant-S HCV represents our continued commitment to Hepatitis C diagnostic testing," says Michael J. Eck, President and CEO. "Medical laboratories utilizing the new OptiQuant-S HCV Panel will experience the benefits of a standardized product that offers consistent results with an enhanced dynamic range; and as a result reducing patient re-testing requirements and increasing savings in both labor and reagent costs."

SynTura(TM) Technology involves a second generation viral RNA material which behaves very similar to enveloped mammalian RNA viruses like HCV or HIV. This new technology allows insertion of synthetic sequences into a mammalian RNA virus which were shown to be stable in replication and capable of forming infectious RNase resistant virus particles. This new proprietary system can be used for designing defined RNA positive controls, quantification standards, internal controls, and calibrators. This product is for Research Use Only and is not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Reference:

(1) http://www.epidemic.org/theFacts/theEpidemic/worldPrevalence/

About AcroMetrix

AcroMetrix, with facilities in Benicia, California and Alkmaar, the Netherlands, provides a comprehensive line of molecular diagnostic quality control products that assist laboratories in meeting current government regulations regarding quality. AcroMetrix maintains this leadership role by consistently developing innovative standards, external run controls, and validation kits for molecular and serological testing in blood screening and clinical diagnostic laboratories. For more information on AcroMetrix and related products, please visit the company web site at http://www.acrometrix.com.

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Posted by Editors at March 5, 2009 12:32 PM