Health care industries’ perspective of viral load assays: the VERSANT HIV-1 RNA 3.0 assay

Abstract

This article will compare the VERSANT^TM HIV-1 RNA 3.0 (bDNA 3.0) assay with other HIV-1 viral load assays, particularly the AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR^® (Amplicor 1.5), the industry standard. The discussion will cover the history of viral load assay development and challenges to the field. It will finish with a description of the evolving markets for viral load assays in the developing world and the impact of variations in the different assays on their ability to reach those markets and patient populations.

• Bayer VERSANT
• bDNA 3.0
• COBAS
• comparative analysis
• cost
• developing countries
• HIV-1 RNA 3.0
• HIV-1 viral load
• system 340
• performance
• Roche Amplicor HIV-1 monitor