Siemens Healthineers announces new immunoassay for the detection of Zika virus

It can detect the virus before the onset of symptoms.

Siemens Healthineers announced its CE-marked immunoassay—the Novagnost® Zika Virus IgM μ-capture Assay—is now commercially available to laboratories outside of the U.S.

According to the company release, the Novagnost Zika Virus IgM μ-capture Assay enables enhanced patient outcomes through differential diagnostics according to the WHO test algorithm. The assay is capable of detecting the Zika virus during the acute phase of infection, approximately a few days after the onset of symptoms.

Together with the recently announced real-time molecular VERSANT® Zika RNA 1.0 Assay (kPCR), Siemens Healthineers is now offering laboratories Zika assays both for immunoassay and molecular detection.

The Novagnost Zika Virus IgM μ-capture Assay is user-friendly, utilizing the same dilution and reagents as other Novagnost assays. The assay can be performed on the BEP® III and BEP 2000 Advance® Systems and is validated for use on plasma and serum.

“As the Zika virus continues to rise as a global public health concern, there is an increased focus on detecting the Zika virus during the acute phase of infection,” said Franz Walt, President, Laboratory Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers. “With the introduction of the Novagnost Zika Virus IgM μ-capture Assay, Siemens Healthineers completes laboratories’  irus testing menu by delivering assays for both immunoassay and molecular detection.”

Siemens Healthineers aims to enable healthcare providers around the world to meet their current challenges and to excel in their respective environments. Siemens Healthineers is setting new trends in healthcare together with its customers—working under the motto “Engineering Success. Pioneering Healthcare. Together.”