The ultra-sensitive HEPTIMAX HCV viral load test is capable of detecting minute
quantities of hepatitis C virus down to as few as 5 international units per
milliliter (IU/ml). The ability to detect minute quantities of virus is useful
to physicians in monitoring the effectiveness of various treatments for
hepatitis C in patients. The HEPTIMAX HCV viral load test not only delivers the
maximum sensitivity but also offers the maximum range (5 IU/ml to greater than
50 million IU/ml). This improved assay will be available to Quest Diagnostics'
customers beginning in March.
Quest Diagnostics acquired the real-time PCR technology under its recently
announced alliance with Roche Diagnostics to develop and commercialize new
gene-based medical tests utilizing Roche Diagnostics' patented polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) technology, which is recognized as the gold standard for
gene-based testing and an important enabling technology for applied genomics.
The Roche Diagnostics' TaqMan testing platform enables Quest Diagnostics to
provide one-day turnaround for the vast majority of infected patients by using
"real-time PCR," compared to up to three days using previous methods. The TaqMan
system is fully automated and provides higher sensitivity than earlier
generations of PCR testing.
In addition, the ultra-sensitive HEPTIMAX HCV test utilizes reagents and
proprietary transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) technology from Bayer
Diagnostics, made available through Bayer's exclusive agreement with Gen-Probe,
San Diego, CA. TMA allows for the amplification and detection of genetic
material in plasma or serum samples.
The improved HEPTIMAX test is the latest addition to Quest Diagnostics'
comprehensive test menu for hepatitis C disease management. Quest Diagnostics
provides a complete selection of tests for initial diagnosis, treatment
monitoring and managing HCV infected patients. The menu also features the
DupliType(TM) HCV genotype test, which helps physicians establish the
appropriate duration of HCV therapy.
An estimated 4 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus in the United
States, and approximately 130,000 patients currently receive treatment.
Physicians monitor viral loads in infected patients to test the effectiveness of
various types of combination therapies.
About Quest Diagnostics
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of diagnostic
testing, information and services, providing insights that enable physicians,
hospitals, managed care organizations and other healthcare professionals to make
decisions to improve health. The company offers the broadest access to
diagnostic laboratory testing services through its national network of
laboratories and patient service centers. Quest Diagnostics is the leading
provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based medical testing, and empowers
healthcare organizations and clinicians with state-of-the-art connectivity
solutions that improve practice management. Additional company information can
be found on the Internet at: http://www.questdiagnostics.com.
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially
different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are listed in the Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated 2000 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
COBAS TaqMan(TM) is a registered trademark of Roche Diagnostics.
HEPTIMAX(TM) and DupliType(TM) are trademarks of Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
CONTACT:
Media - Gary Samuels, +1-201-393-5700, or Investors - Cathy
Doherty, +1-201-393-5030, both of Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
URL: http://www.questdiagnostics.com
Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.