Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings announced that its 4th generation HIV antigen-antibody combination assay is now available, along with a new rapid HIV screening diagnostic tool.
LapCorp’s new 4th generation assay can detect both types of HIV antibodies, IgG and IgM, and the HIV p24 antigen before seroconversion occurs in the body. The new assay can also detect infection in acutely infected individuals approximately seven days sooner than its 3rd generation assay, improving treatment efficacy and helping reduce the spread of HIV globally.
“Fourth-generation HIV screening and associated supplemental testing is a valuable addition to the tools available to achieve early diagnosis of HIV,” LabCorp Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Brecher said. “Detection of acute infections using the fourth-generation assay provides an improved opportunity for early intervention and the potential to affect transmission rates.”
LapCorp also announced the completion of a new, highly sensitive algorithm diagnostic tool used as a second step in the diagnostic process, following the 4th generation assay, both to confirm the HIV diagnosis and determine if a patient is infected with an HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection.
The Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute and the New York State Department of Health recommend the use of LapCorp’s algorithm diagnostic technology for HIV screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also endorse the test and published two positive reviews of the diagnostic tool online in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. It is considered cost-effective and highly accurate.
LapCorp’s new 4th generation assay can detect both types of HIV antibodies, IgG and IgM, and the HIV p24 antigen before seroconversion occurs in the body. The new assay can also detect infection in acutely infected individuals approximately seven days sooner than its 3rd generation assay, improving treatment efficacy and helping reduce the spread of HIV globally.
“Fourth-generation HIV screening and associated supplemental testing is a valuable addition to the tools available to achieve early diagnosis of HIV,” LabCorp Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Brecher said. “Detection of acute infections using the fourth-generation assay provides an improved opportunity for early intervention and the potential to affect transmission rates.”
LapCorp also announced the completion of a new, highly sensitive algorithm diagnostic tool used as a second step in the diagnostic process, following the 4th generation assay, both to confirm the HIV diagnosis and determine if a patient is infected with an HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection.
The Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute and the New York State Department of Health recommend the use of LapCorp’s algorithm diagnostic technology for HIV screening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also endorse the test and published two positive reviews of the diagnostic tool online in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. It is considered cost-effective and highly accurate.