OraQuick Superior to Other Test Methods for HCV Assessment
The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research completed an assessment of tests to evaluate potential blood donors for the presence of Hepatitis C, as described by Medcompare. The facility considered the OraQuick HCV test, manufactured by OraSure Technologies, Incorporated.
The evaluation was completed to evaluate potential walk in blood donors in the theater of war. Procedures followed to screen blood for pathogens are different than those that occur for routine screening of blood donors. In this setting, which requires rapid access to blood, screening procedures are abbreviated.
Five different tests were considered for analysis. Testing of each was completed with blood and plasma specimens. The research documented the highest rates of both specificity and sensitivity with the OraQuick HCV test. An additional benefit of this test is more rapid detection of HCV antibodies compared to other ELISA tests.
Data described indicates that the OraQuick HCV test is the best approach to screen potential donors. In this setting, the OraSure is an additional step to protect against HCV.
The OraSure Technologies, Incorporated test is still under development. It has yet to be approved by the FDA or receive the CE mark. The data was described at the Department of Defense’s Advanced Technology Applications for Combat Casualty Care meeting.
September 8, 2008 Related topics: Diagnostic