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Viral hepatitis is a global health problem that affects hundreds of millions of children and adults. Although multiple pathogens have been associated with hepatitis, three in particular (hepatitis A, B, and C) are responsible for the majority of virally linked hepatitis cases. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are a major cause of chronic liver disease, which may manifest as liver fibrosis and cirrhosis leading to liver cancer and the need for liver transplantation.
Siemens Healthineers offers hepatitis testing solutions for:
- Diagnostic laboratories, with assays for the ADVIA Centaur® Immunoassay Systems, IMMULITE® 2000/2000 XPi Immunoassay Systems, and VERSANT® Molecular Diagnostic Systems
Laboratory Testing: Hepatitis B
You can depend on Siemens Healthineers to provide your lab with the test accuracy and efficiency you demand for hepatitis B diagnostic testing.
The ADVIA Centaur® HBsAgII Assay is designed with patented acridinium ester (AE) technology, allowing for enhanced precision and sensitivity. Incorporating the zwitterionic AE molecule into the assay format results in greater sensitivity and improved detection of HBsAg mutants. A total of five monoclonal antibodies are used in the HBsAgII assay design, greatly improving the assay’s sensitivity and specificity.
Only the ADVIA Centaur HBsAgII Assay offers a “hot zone” and SMART algorithm for greater lab efficiency.
- Reduce your test volumes. Samples in the hot zone (initial results ≥50 Index Units) may be reported as reactive. Only samples with initial values between 1 and <50 Index Units require further testing.
- Improve your lab efficiency. The SMART algorithm automatically repeats testing on samples that require further analysis.
With the use of disposable sample tips on the ADVIA Centaur® Immunoassay System, potential sample carryover and subsequent risk of false positives are never a concern.
Laboratory Testing: Hepatitis C
The CDC has expanded previous recommendations for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening of all persons born between 1945 and 1965 (the so-called baby-boomer generation) for HCV infection.1
The ADVIA Centaur® HCV Assay is a true third-generation assay with the ability to detect the NS5 antibody.2 The assay design uses patented acridinium ester (AE) technology for improved sensitivity in detecting low-level analytes and better accuracy and precision.
From diagnosis through active disease and chronic progression, laboratory testing plays an important role in the identification, treatment, and monitoring of patients with hepatitis.
- Liver function tests (e.g., ALT, AST) help to determine the extent of liver damage.
- Immunoassay testing aids in the diagnosis of viral hepatitis and may indicate if the infection is acute or chronic.
- Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is used to confirm hepatitis diagnosis, guide treatment, and indicate prognosis.
- Biomarkers, imaging, and biopsy help to stage the degree of fibrosis and liver injury.
The Clinician’s Reference Guide: Diagnostic Testing in the Management of Viral Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, developed by Siemens Healthineers, helps clarify the role of hepatitis tests as an aid in patient management.
If you are interested in adding Hepatitis testing to your ADVIA Centaur or IMMULITE system menu, please contact the Inside Sales Department at (800) 242-3233, option 3.
