Roche announced the commercial availability of the cobas HIV-1, HCV and HCV genotyping (GT) assays in countries accepting the CE mark.

These new molecular diagnostic assays increase the available menu on the cobas 4800 System, further improving efficiency and flexibility that allows laboratories to deliver results for rapid clinical decisions.

The new virology assays offer the latest generation of performance with dual target technology for HIV-1 and dual probe technology for HCV. All of the new virology assays can run simultaneously on the cobas 4800 System, with optimized sample processing volumes for streamlining workflow that increases flexibility for patient sample management.

these additions, the cobas 4800 System now has a menu of 12 high medical value IVD assays, making it the ideal solution for a highly efficient laboratory.

"With the addition of these assays to the cobas 4800 menu, more laboratories have access to advanced virology assays that provide reliable results for confident patient management," said Roland Diggelmann, COO, Roche Diagnostics.

"As the global market leader, we are also pleased to introduce cobas HCV genotype test which accurately identifies HCV genotypes and helps optimize treatment of hepatitis C patients."

The assays launched today will be followed in the coming months by the cobas HBV Test, which will complete the portfolio of viral load monitoring and genotyping assays for the cobas 4800 System.

The cobas 4800 System offers improved automation of nucleic acid purification, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) set-up and real-time PCR amplification and detection to help laboratories achieve maximum efficiency.

The system now has a comprehensive test menu including the cobas HIV-1 Test, cobas HCV Test, cobas HCV Genotyping Test, cobas MRSA/SA Test, cobas HSV 1 and 2 Test, cobas C.diff Test, cobas CT/NG Test (chlamydia/gonorrhea), cobas HPV Test, cobas BRAF V600 Mutation Test, cobas EGFR Mutation Test, and the cobas KRAS Mutation Test.