Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - November 18, 2002
The new MONITOR 1.5 offers an advantage over its earlier version MONITOR 1.0, which physicians use to accurately and precisely measure the quantity of circulating HIV-1 virus in plasma of infected patients ("viral load"). MONITOR 1.5 can detect the full range of HIV viral subtypes that scientists have identified to date, and which until recently were particular to specific geographic regions. While the majority of HIV-1 isolates reported in the western hemisphere, Europe, and Australia continue to belong to subtype B, and while non-B subtypes A, C, D and E continue to be prevalent in Africa and Southeast Asia, global travel is facilitating the broad distribution of all HIV-1 subtypes worldwide.
"With reports of non-B subtypes increasing globally, the ability of a test to detect and quantify these diverse subtypes is crucial to quality HIV patient care and treatment decision-making," said Peter N.R. Heseltine, M.D., FACP, Medical Director, Infectious Diseases at Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute. "We are excited to be the first laboratory to commercially offer this new version of MONITOR, which has been established as the standard of care for assessing disease prognosis, response to drug therapy and future treatment decisions."
The Roche AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Test, Version 1.5 is based on Roche's Nobel Prize-winning Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology, which is considered to be the gold standard in testing for HIV. PCR provides laboratories with the ability to both amplify and identify specific DNA or RNA sequences from a sample of blood. The original AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Test was the first FDA-approved test to accurately and precisely measure the quantity of circulating HIV-1 virus in plasma.
In addition to the MONITOR 1.5 test, Quest Diagnostics offers a complete menu of HIV diagnostic tests, including HIV-1 Genotypic and Phenotypic resistance tests.
For more information about AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Test, Version 1.5, physicians can call Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute toll-free at 800-642-4657.
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 patients and physicians the broadest access to diagnostic laboratory 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 which are not historical facts or information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties may include, but are not limited to, unanticipated expenditures, changing relationships with customers, suppliers and strategic partners, conditions of the economy and other factors described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2001 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
AMPLICOR is a trademark of Roche Diagnostics, a member of the Roche Group.
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Web Site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com
021118
PR021123
Copyright © 2002 - PRNewswire. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through PRNewswire, Permissions, 810 Seventh Ave., 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019 http://www.prnewswire.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .