Medmira ships 100,000 rapid HIV tests to China

Nov 4 2004

MedMira has announced that it has shipped 100,000 Rapid HIV Tests to one of its distributors in the People's Republic of China.

The majority of this shipment is destined for use in blood collection centres in a province in northeast China, initiating a new application for MedMira's test that is anticipated to have a strong impact on the HIV prevention programs and public health initiatives led by the Chinese national government.

HIV testing in Chinese blood collection centers, similar to those in North America, is traditionally performed using time-consuming procedures that require specialized technical training and several days to obtain test results. Departing from tradition, one key region has made the decision to reform its HIV testing infrastructure in its blood collection centres by using MedMira's 3-minute MiraWell(TM) Rapid HIV Test in place of conventional HIV testing to address the immediate public health concerns highlighted by national government initiatives. More complex, supplemental methods will be used by the centres only to confirm initially positive test results.

"Effective screening of a country's blood supply is a critical public safety issue", said Hermes Chan, President and COO of MedMira. "We are extremely pleased that our high-quality, easy to use, 3-minute rapid HIV test has gained such widespread recognition by the Chinese government and that it has encouraged such a progressive step in blood donation practices." Chan continued, "More and more, our MiraWell(TM) Rapid HIV Test is becoming used in the Chinese government's public health strategy, and we are beginning to lay a solid foundation for replacing traditional screening tools. We are optimistic that other regions will follow suit and implement the same HIV testing protocol over the coming months."

It has been reported that, since the Chinese Blood Donation Law was adopted in 1998, blood quality has become a top priority in medical management practices. Four hundred blood centres nationwide collect blood from volunteers and more than 10,000 hospitals have established blood transfusion centres in an effort to establish a nationwide network of safe blood collection and supply.