Roche, Basel, Switzerland, announced that the Cobas HIV-1 and Cobas HCV Tests for use on the Cobas 6800/8800 Systems have been awarded World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. WHO prequalification helps regulators and procurers in low and middle-income countries to identify products that meet high quality standards and are safe and suitable for their intended use.
This is of benefit to healthcare professionals and patients, for whom quality assured IVDs are essential for effective diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic efficiency. Increased access to diagnostic testing and monitoring for HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) provides broader reliable solutions to patients living in remote settings. Without accurate diagnosis, appropriate disease management may be delayed.
For people who cannot easily access healthcare facilities, the ability to simplify blood collection and sample transportation on a stable device improves access to reliable diagnostics. The Cobas HIV-1 Test can be used in conjunction with the first-of-its-kind Cobas Plasma Separation Card to process dried plasma spot samples collected in remote areas, where access to testing facilities can be difficult.
“We are focusing on improving patient and disease management where it is needed most. Sustainable solutions can help healthcare providers more efficiently work towards eliminating infections,” says Thomas Schinecker, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “Since we launched the Global Access Program in 2014, access to innovative diagnostics solutions has improved in countries with high disease burdens. There is still more work that needs to be done and with the WHO prequalification more people around the world will have access to high-quality diagnostics.”
For more information, visit Roche.
