Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1996. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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These products complement INCSTAR's current infectious disease offerings, which include tests for infectious mononeucleosis and hepatitis. With the development of this complete product line, INCSTAR now can provide a broad range of tests to healthcare providers, consistent with the healthcare industry's movement toward consolidation, cost controls and limiting the number of suppliers. Additionally, the market release of these new products reflects INCSTAR's global strategy to broaden its product line selection and continue its transition to products that are compatible with automation that is becoming more standardized in the industry.
Rubella, also called German measles, is an acute, mildly contagious viral disease that produces a distinctive three-day rash. It most often strikes children aged five to nine, adolescents, and young adults. Transmission to the fetus, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, can cause spontaneous abortion or stillbirth, as well as multiple serious birth defects. Tests for Rubella are most often used to determine if women have previously contracted or been vaccinated for the virus, particularly if they are pregnant or when they are at increased risk for contracting the disease when working in occupations such as teaching and healthcare.
CMV is a virus belonging to the herpes family that is transmitted by human contact. Approximately 25 percent of people over age 35 have been infected with CMV, usually during childhood or early adulthood. Most patients with CMV have only mild flu-like symptoms. However, symptoms are much more serious for persons with suppressed immune systems, such as AIDS patients, or persons receiving immunosuppressive drugs because of an organ transplant. CMV infection during pregnancy can be hazardous to the fetus, possibly leading to stillbirth, brain damage and other serious birth defects.
Sixty to 80 percent of the population has been exposed to the herpes simplex virus, which causes recurrent viral infections. Herpes Type I, which is transmitted by oral and respiratory secretions, affects the skin and mucous membranes and commonly produces cold sores and fever blisters. Herpes Type II primarily affects the genital area and is transmitted by sexual contact. The herpes virus can pass to the fetus through the placenta and, in early pregnancy, may cause spontaneous abortion or premature birth. Complications in newborns include seizures, mental retardation, blindness, deafness and death. The virus can also be transmitted during childbirth, potentially causing serious damage to newborns.
INCSTAR is a medical immunodiagnostics company engaged in the development, production and worldwide marketing of diagnostic tests. 1995 sales totaled $46 million. The Company focuses its resources in the areas of bone and mineral metabolism, endocrinology, and infectious and autoimmune diseases. INCSTAR markets more than 200 products globally, through its direct sales force in North America and internationally, through independent distributors and its affiliated company, Sorin Biomedica, S.p.A. Sorin Biomedica, which owns 52 percent of INCSTAR, is a medical technology company with businesses focused on the diagnostic, cardiovascular and hemodialysis segments of the international healthcare market. INCSTAR shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ISTR.
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