The Panther instrument from Hologic combines full automation with the assay performance of the Aptima Combo 2 and Aptima HPV assays, allowing customers the freedom to control their molecular workflow for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Hologic has now launched the Aptima HIV-1 Quant DX assay, the first assay in a viral load menu that will soon include hepatitis C and hepatitis B for the Panther instrument.
The Aptima HIV-1 Quant DX assay is a dual-target nucleic acid amplification assay intended for use as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1 infection, as a confirmation of HIV-1 infection and for the viral load monitoring of patients infected with HIV-1. The performance of the assay is strong, maintaining a high sensitivity and delivering a high precision in quantitation with a narrow coefficient of variation (<10%) in low viraemia samples.
The extended assay menu benefits from the workflow features that Panther customers associate with STI testing, including fully automated, walkaway assay processing and a continuous access solution, freeing laboratories from the batching restrictions. The Aptima HIV-1 Quant DX assay brings real-time TMA functionality to the Panther instrument, enabling the development of further multiplex and quantitative molecular assays, and extends the commitment of Hologic to continue the expansion of its molecular portfolio while consolidating on a single molecular platform.www.hologic.com