New duplex assay for HAV, parvovirus B19 launched by Roche

In markets where the CE Mark is observed, Roche has launched the cobas DPX test, a real-time PCR duplex assay for detecting parvovirus B19 and hepatitis A virus in human plasma, according to a news release from the manufacturer.

Cobas DPX can be used on the cobas 6800/8800 systems and enable blood and plasma testing centers to quickly identify and remove HAV-contaminated units, while simultaneously minimizing the B19V burden in plasma pools, according to the release.

“Roche is committed to providing the broadest coverage and most efficient blood and plasma screening tests to ensure the highest safety for patients,” Paul Brown, head of Roche Molecular Diagnostics, said in the release. “Introducing cobas DPX to the cobas 6800/8800 Systems is an important step toward that goal, complementing our current donor screening tests for the detection of HIV, HCV, HBV, WNV and HEV.”

According to the release, the new assay will also enable facilities to increase the processing efficiency of blood donations while preserving high safety standards for plasma products used in transfusions and other therapeutic treatments for patients.

Earlier this month, Roche announced a new viral load assay for HBV, the cobas HBV quantitative nucleic acid test, also for use on the cobas 6800/8800 Systems, according to the Roche website. The assay included broad coverage of all HBV genotypes with high sensitivity, across all critical medical decision points.

The cobas DPX assay, cobas HBV assay and the cobas 6800/8800 Systems are only commercially available in markets that recognize CE Mark and not currently available in the United States.