Media Briefing and Q&A with Leading Researchers on Zika Virus and Diagnostic Testing

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading researchers will discuss the global impact and role of diagnostic testing for the Zika virus as well as how the timing of infection affects pregnancy and newborns at a media briefing in advance of the 68th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo being held in Philadelphia, July 31–August 4.

WHO: Scheduled speakers include:

• Randall Kinkaid, PhD, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
• Stephen Lovell, PhD, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
• Keith Pardee, PhD, University of Toronto

DISCUSSION TOPICS:

• Zika in Infants and Pregnancy (ZIP) study:  the largest, multi-country study examining the full scope of Zika virus infection in pregnancy and childbirth
• Using the U.S. FDA Emergency Use Authorization program to help accelerate diagnostic development and approval for Zika
• Development of a rapid, low-cost test for Zika virus
• Success and challenges involved in speeding up the process of diagnostic test development

WHEN: Thursday, July 28 at 2–3 p.m. U.S. EASTERN TIME

RSVP: Contact Caroline Eggers at [email protected] to receive call-in details.

RELATED RESEARCH AT THE 68TH AACC ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING AT THE PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER IN PHILADELPHIA:

• A new diagnostic test developed in Brazil simultaneously detects Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses in patients. This test can dramatically shorten the amount of time it takes to detect and diagnose these diseases which present similar symptoms in patients. "Simultaneous Detection of Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue viruses in EDTA-Plasma Samples by RT-qPCR: If Their Vector is Versatile Their Detection Assays Also Should Be" (B-053) – will be presented in Session 35101: Emerging Topics in Laboratory Medicine on Thursday, August 4, 2016, 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon U.S. Eastern Time, Room 201AB.
• Researchers confirmed the accuracy of a clinical laboratory-based test that can rapidly identify the presence of Zika virus in blood samples early in the course of the illness. "Validation of a qualitative PCR for Zika virus in a private hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil"(B-215)
• Researchers at Emory University report on the accuracy of an "in-house" early detection test for Zika that can distinguish Zika from other similar diseases. "Implementation of a molecular diagnostic method for the quantitative detection of Zika virus"(B-202)
• Research shows that using urine samples increased the rate of molecular detection of Zika virus and should be considered when blood collection is difficult to be assessed. Testing this way may be of particular interest for pregnant women, possibly reflecting viral replication in fetal tissues. "Comparing Plasma and Urine Parallel Samples for the Diagnosis of Zika Virus by Qualitative Real-Time PCR"(B-108)
• Results from specific molecular tests show that Brazil's Midwest region has the highest prevalence of Zika virus infection followed by North region and Southeast region. However, the published data indicate that the Northeast is the most affected. This prevalence study could lead to a clearer indication of virus potential to spread and establish in the country. "Zika virus in Brazil: a prevalence study" (B-086)
• A new whole-control process for Zika virus will enable laboratories to validate diagnostic tests and train technicians.  "Use of AccuPlex Recombinant Sindbis Virus Technology to Produce a Noninfectious, Whole Process Zika Control" (B-105)

Unless noted otherwise, all scientific posters listed above will be presented at the convention center on Wednesday, August 3 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Terrace Ballroom. Presenting authors will be in attendance from 12:30–1:30 p.m.

About the 68^th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo
The AACC Annual Scientific Meeting offers 5 days packed with opportunities to learn about exciting science from July 31–August 4. Plenary sessions feature the latest research on the use of and testing for cannabis, combating premature death due to preventable causes such as tobacco and alcohol, the development of an "intelligent" surgical knife, programmable bio-nano-chips, and the epigenetic causes of disease.

At the AACC Clinical Lab Expo, more than 750 exhibitors will fill the show floor of Philadelphia's Pennsylvania Convention Center, with displays of the latest diagnostic technology, including but not limited to mobile health, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, point-of-care, and automation.

About AACC
Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine, AACC brings together more than 50,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, translational medicine, lab management, and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since 1948, AACC has worked to advance the common interests of the field, providing programs that advance scientific collaboration, knowledge, expertise, and innovation. For more information, visit www.aacc.org.

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Contact: Caroline Eggers at +1 270.314.9877, [email protected]

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