Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - November 2, 2004
HIV testing in Chinese blood collection centers, similar to those in North America, is traditionally performed using time-consuming procedures that require specialized technical training and several days to obtain test results. Departing from tradition, one key region has made the decision to reform its HIV testing infrastructure in its blood collection centres by using MedMira's 3-minute MiraWell(TM) Rapid HIV Test in place of conventional HIV testing to address the immediate public health concerns highlighted by national government initiatives. More complex, supplemental methods will be used by the centres only to confirm initially positive test results.
"Effective screening of a country's blood supply is a critical public safety issue", said Hermes Chan, President and COO of MedMira. "We are extremely pleased that our high-quality, easy to use, 3-minute rapid HIV test has gained such widespread recognition by the Chinese government and that it has encouraged such a progressive step in blood donation practices." Chan continued, "More and more, our MiraWell(TM) Rapid HIV Test is becoming used in the Chinese government's public health strategy, and we are beginning to lay a solid foundation for replacing traditional screening tools. We are optimistic that other regions will follow suit and implement the same HIV testing protocol over the coming months."
It has been reported that, since the Chinese Blood Donation Law was adopted in 1998, blood quality has become a top priority in medical management practices. Four hundred blood centres nationwide collect blood from volunteers and more than 10,000 hospitals have established blood transfusion centres in an effort to establish a nationwide network of safe blood collection and supply.
About MedMira
MedMira is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of in vitro rapid diagnostic tests for the clinical laboratory market. MedMira's tests issue reliable, rapid diagnosis in just 3 minutes for the detection of human antibodies in human serum, plasma or whole blood for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), in the People's Republic of China, have approved MedMira's Reveal(TM) G2 and MiraWell(TM) Rapid HIV Tests, respectively. MedMira has the only rapid diagnostic device to receive these two prominent government approvals. For more details visit MedMira's website at http://www.medmira.com.
MedMira's Reveal(TM) G2 and MiraWell(TM) rapid HIV tests are currently used in clinical laboratories and hospitals where professional counselling and patient treatment are immediately available. MedMira markets its rapid tests worldwide in such countries as the United States, Canada, South Africa and China. Its corporate offices and manufacturing are located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, which involves risks and uncertainties and reflect the company's current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could materially differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company quarterly filings.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this statement.
SOURCE MedMira Inc.
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PR041103
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