First Fully Automated Test for Hepatitis A

A fully automated test for hepatitis A detects the IgM antibody to hepatitis A virus (IgM anti-HAV).

The test, for diagnosing an acute or recent hepatitis A viral infection, is designed for use on the AxSYM automated immunoassay instrument system of Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL, USA) and is the first such test that is fully automated, according to the company. Abbott introduced the test, called AxSYM HAVAB-M, at the annual meeting of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry in Los Angeles (CA, USA) in July 2004.

IgM anti-HAV levels are produced by the body when it is initially exposed to the hepatitis A virus, and their levels peak within the first month of illness. They can usually be detected during the first three to six months of infection. Automating the test gives laboratories a sensitive and specific test that is easy to use, enhances productivity, and provides a first result in as little as 20 minutes. By using microparticle enzyme immunoassay testing methodology, the AxSYM HAVAB-M assay shows good correlation to Abbott's IMx HAV-M assay and enzyme immunoassay (EIA)-HAVAB-M test. Combined with the company's AxSYM immunoassay system, laboratories can process a variety of immunodiagnostic tests simultaneously, up to 80-120 per hour.

"Some people who acquire hepatitis have no symptoms at all and do not realize that they can transmit the virus to others,” explained Thelma King Thiel, chairman and CEO, Hepatitis Foundation International. "That's why it's important to continue to raise awareness about this disease.”




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