Roche, a molecular diagnostics company, has reported that the cobas TaqScreen DPX Test for use on the cobas s 201 system is available in the US.
The test is an in-vitro nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) test which offers complete coverage of all human genotypes of parvovirus B19 (genotypes 1, 2 and 3 DNA) and HAV (genotypes I, II and III RNA) in human plasma.
The cobas TaqScreen DPX Test uses multi-dye, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology which allows for the simultaneous detection and identification of individual viral targets without the use of additional discriminatory tests.
Roche claims that it is the first commercial test to quantify parvovirus B19 and detect hepatitis A virus (HAV) simultaneously in one assay in human plasma.
Both parvovirus B19 and HAV in human plasma can be detected by NAT during the manufacturing process of plasma products, so improving the safety of these products.