New Anti-HCV Test Completes Panel for Viral Hepatitis

bioMérieux has recently launched the new CE-marked VIDAS® Anti-HCV test for the detection of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), extending the Company’s current product range to provide a complete test menu for hepatitis A, B and C. In conjunction with other clinical information, the VIDAS Anti-HCV test assists in the diagnosis of HCV in individuals with symptoms of – or who at risk from – hepatitis C infection, and can be used in combination with VIDAS HAV and HBV assays to form a test panel for the differential diagnosis of viral hepatitis.

The VIDAS Anti-HCV assay, developed on the successful VIDAS automated immunoassay platform, is an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) that uses core, NS3 and NS4 antigens for the qualitative detection of antibodies to hepatitis C in human serum or plasma. This easy-to-use test is performed with just 100 µl of sample. Results are generated in only 40 minutes and, with no grey zone, data interpretation is simple. All six HCV genotypes can be detected, with a specificity of 99.61% and sensitivity of 99.77%. The all-inclusive VIDAS Anti-HCV kit is available in a convenient 60 test pack size comprising single dose tests, providing a cost-effective solution to screening for hepatitis C.