OraSure Technologies Inc announced that its OraQuick® Hepatitis C (HCV) Rapid Antibody Test has been approved by the FDA for use in detecting HCV antibodies in venous whole blood specimens, making it the first rapid HCV test approved by the FDA for use in the US.
"The OraQuick HCV test efficiently identifies previously undiagnosed HCV infected individuals who are at risk," said Eugene R. Schiff, MD, MACP, FRCP, MACG, AGAF, University of Miami School of Medicine. "We at the University of Miami found this test to be user-friendly, practical and an important tool for rapid HCV antibody detection."
"We believe that the OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test, with its simplicity and speed, will be a critical tool in identifying more at risk individuals infected with hepatitis C in the US, and thus represents a significant market opportunity," said Douglas A. Michels, President and Chief Executive Officer of OraSure Technologies. "Obtaining FDA approval of our OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test for venous whole blood represents a major milestone for our company."
OraQuick HCV is the only rapid, point-of-care test for the detection of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus in venous whole blood specimens that is approved by the FDA. The test, which utilizes the OraQuick technology platform, provides results in 20 minutes. The OraQuick HCV Rapid Antibody Test is the latest rapid test manufactured by OraSure to receive FDA approval. OraSure had previously received FDA approval for its OraQuick ADVANCE® Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test for use with oral fluid, fingerstick and venous whole blood and plasma samples.
Source: OraSure Technologies