Due to enhanced sensitivity, the newly approved viral load assay for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) allows more accurate assessments of response to antiviral therapy.
The quantitiative HCV viral load assay has a lower limit of detection and quantification (15 IU/mL) than the existing qualitative HCV assays (10-50 IU/mL).
Decisions related to several aspects of antiviral HCV therapy, including treatment selection and adjustments are influenced by viral load determinations. With the initiation of treatment, periodic measurements of HCV viral load allows the clinician to assess the success of treatment.
Atleast 3.2 million people in the US and 170 million in the world are chronically infected with HCV. If HCV is not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
LabCorp chief medical officer Mark Brecher said, "The COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Test, v2.0 is another valuable addition to the Company’s comprehensive portfolio of assays that characterize the Hepatitis C virus, disease course and the patient’s optimal treatment path."
