MD Biosciences, Inc. Clinical and Diagnostic Services Laboratory announces the release of its rapid assay to detect the virus in human blood and urine samples. The nucleic acid test can be performed in a few hours in blood, plasma, serum or urine samples. The test is specific for the Zika virus and was shown not to cross react with other infectious viruses such as Dengue, West Nile or Chikunguya. The laboratory-developed test is available immediately.
The World Health Organization states that the spread of the mosquito-borne virus will grow explosively throughout the Americas. According to the CDC, the virus has also been shown to be transmitted through sexual contact. Upwards of four million infections are expected in the region. Close to 80% of infections are asymptomatic while others suffer from fever, rash, joint aches and other hallmarks. A steep increase in birth defects and Guillain-Barre syndrome has correlated to the spread of the virus. The explosive spread of the virus, along with major crowd and traveller-related events such as this year's Olympic Games in Brazil, have created the need for steps in fighting the virus, including the ability to rapidly and specifically identify the infection.
Eddie Moradian, Chief Executive Officer at MD Biosciences states, "We are extremely proud of our CLIA diagnostics laboratory's ability to provide a reliable, accurate and rapid method of testing for Zika virus. This demonstrates our commitment in placing our expertise, knowledge and infrastructure for the betterment of health, in the US and throughout the world, whether through the development of more advanced diagnostics or by advancing newer, better and more efficient therapies."
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