A Faster, Simpler HIV Antibody Test

A new version of a rapid HIV-1 antibody test is simple to use and delivers results in less than three minutes.

The test, which detects HIV-1 antibodies in human serum or plasma, is based on a flow-through technology platform, and is comprised of a single-use test cartridge containing an immunoreactive test membrane. A combination of synthetic peptides corresponding to conserved regions of HIV structural proteins coated onto a membrane matrix captures HIV-1 antibodies in serum or plasma when a drop of the specimen is applied.

The Reveal G3 antibody test, developed by MedMira (Halifax, Canada), is the third generation in the Reveal line of rapid HIV tests. The product's overall ease-of-use has been improved by the addition of MedMira's InstantGold Cap, which replaces the colorimetric detection agent used in the two previous versions of the test. The test package is now supplied in a box of 30, a new size format designed to maximize efficiency of all components. Reveal G3 has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are very pleased to receive approval on the third generation of Reveal, which brings to market key advancements that will drive further adoption of rapid HIV testing in point of care settings,” said Hermes Chan, president and CEO, MedMira. "HIV continues to be one of the greatest health challenges in the US [United States] and the healthcare system is taking steps to address the control and prevention of this epidemic.”

The recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, Atlanta GA) recommendations on routine HIV testing for everyone 13 to 64 years of age also included enhanced screening of pregnant women to decrease the rate of mother-to-child transmission. Key applications for MedMira's Reveal G3 test include labor and delivery, occupational exposures, and emergency departments.



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