Cost assessment of the automated VERSANT™ 440 Molecular System versus the semi-automated System 340 bDNA Analyzer platforms

Abstract

Labor, supply and waste were evaluated for HIV-1 and HCV bDNA on the semi-automated System 340 bDNA Analyzer and the automated VERSANT™ 440 Molecular System (V440). HIV-1 sample processing was evaluated using a 24- and 48-position centrifuge rotor. Vigilance time (hands-on manipulations plus incubation time except initial target hybridization) and disposables were approximately 37 and 12% lower for HIV-1, and 64 and 31% lower for HCV bDNA, respectively, with V440. Biohazardous solid waste was approximately twofold lower for both assays and other waste types were the same for either assay on both platforms. HIV-1 sample processing vigilance time for the 48-position rotor was reduced by 2 h. V440 provides cost savings and improved workflow.

Keywords::

• bDNA assay
• comparative study
• costs and cost analysis
• System 340 bDNA analyzer
• VERSANT™ 440 molecular system
• viral load

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported by Siemens Medical Systems Diagnostics and recipients include Tarek Elbeik and Scott Beringer. We have neither financial interests in nor affiliations with either Siemens Medical Systems Diagnostics or its predecessor Bayer Diagnostics.. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this paper.