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Early HIV detection, viral load monitoring, and testing for the drug-resistance of particular strains of HIV may improve patient outcomes and reduce disease transmission. Clinical laboratory tests remain critically important at every stage of the HIV-care continuum, as they provide clinicians with answers that allow them to manage patients more effectively.
Siemens Healthineers offers HIV testing solutions for early identification of HIV-positive individuals that help clinicians care for and treat patients and provide knowledge needed for prevention. Siemens Healthineers has solutions for:
- Diagnostic laboratories, with assays for the ADVIA Centaur® Immunoassay Systems.
ADVIA Centaur HIV Ag/Ab Combo (CHIV) Assay
CDC and European guidelines recommend the use of a fourth-generation HIV screening test for maximum sensitivity and specificity.
The ADVIA Centaur® CHIV Assay is a fourth-generation HIV assay offering both excellent sensitivity and specificity. It was designed with patented AE technology to meet current laboratory requirements and future needs for accurate HIV diagnostic testing. The assay offers:
- Earlier detection capability using a fully automated qualitative combo HIV assay that simultaneously detects the presence of HIV-1 p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 (including group O) and HIV-2 in serum and plasma
- Elimination of sample carryover and associated potential for false-positive results with use of disposable sample tips and a one-way workflow
HIV Risk Factors
Recognize the risk factors to help prevent the spread of HIV.
According to the World Health Organization, primary risk factors for HIV include unprotected vaginal or anal sex; sharing contaminated needles, syringes, and other injecting equipment; unsafe blood transfusions and medical procedures; accidental needle-stick injuries; and other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis.1
HIV Prevention, Testing, and Therapy
Limiting exposure and curbing behavior associated with the risk factors can reduce the probability of HIV infection.
Identifying infections using blood tests such as the ADVIA Centaur® HIV Combo Immunoassay is important for clinical management and behavior modification that may reduce transmission.
Despite the many challenges of the HIV epidemic, some progress has been made, including a 77% global increase from 2010 through 2013 in the number of people surviving with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).2 Globally there were 15.8 million people receiving ART in mid-2015.3 Thereby the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for 2015—to bring 15 million people on treatment—was reached, constituting one of the great public-health achievements of recent times.
One simple blood test could save lives.
If you are interested in adding HIV testing to your ADVIA Centaur system menu, please contact the Inside Sales Department at (800) 242-3233, option 3.
