Abbott to Feature Novel Tests and New Upgrades to Testing Platforms at American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lab Expo

ANAHEIM, Calif., July 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A first-of-its-kind test that detects HIV infection earlier than ever before in the United States; a molecular assay for identification of two common sexually transmitted diseases; and an enhanced integrated analyzer offering significant workflow improvements; are among the many new advances Abbott (NYSE: ABT) will highlight at this year's American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lab Expo (AACC) which starts today in Anaheim. In all, Abbott is sponsoring 29 scientific posters reporting on new clinical diagnostics research in areas such as heart disease or cardiac care, transplant, renal disease and cancer; three scientific industry workshops; and 15 main stage presentations at the Abbott exhibit booth (#6808).

"Abbott is focused on improving patient care by offering innovative solutions for our laboratory customers and the patients and physicians they serve," said Brian Blaser, senior vice president, Diagnostics, Abbott. "At this year's AACC, we will feature our latest assays and systems which offer solutions to meet the demanding needs of healthcare institutions by improving operational efficiency, clinical outcomes, and physician, patient, and laboratory satisfaction."

Abbott AACC Highlights

• Advances in HIV Testing Foster Early Detection: Last month, the FDA approved Abbott's ARCHITECT HIV Antigen/Antibody Combo Assay, a first-of-its-kind new HIV diagnostic tool. Since the test detects both HIV antigens and antibodies, Abbott's test can identify infection days earlier than other antibody-only tests currently used in the United States. Earlier detection is critical in controlling the spread of the virus since it is estimated that up to 50 percent of ongoing transmissions come from people who were recently infected.  
• New Molecular Assay for Better Detection of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea: Abbott is also featuring the Abbott m2000, an automated system that integrates sample preparation and extraction with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection technology. Abbott announced a significant addition to the m2000 system's menu of tests in June with the FDA clearance of a new molecular assay to simultaneously detect gonorrhea and chlamydia, including a new variant strain of chlamydia discovered in Sweden.
• ARCHITECTPLUS Helps to Manage Patients and Improve Lab Efficiencies: Abbott's ARCHITECTPLUS enhanced ARCHITECT family of immunochemistry analyzers will also be showcased at this year's AACC. This enhanced ARCHITECT system includes new features which will help labs streamline operations and improve efficiencies resulting in improved performance and outcomes for laboratories.
• PLEX-ID System for Rapid Microbial Identification: Abbott's new PLEX-ID system will also be on display. The system is designed for broad and rapid identification of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, however, it is currently not available for use in diagnostic procedures. In 2009, PLEX-ID was recognized by both The Scientist and the Wall Street Journal as a top scientific innovation.  

Key Abbott Workshops

All workshops will be held at the Hilton Anaheim Hotel, California Pavilion D

• Tuesday, July 27 at 7 a.m.: Michael Busch, M.D., Ph.D., Blood Systems Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, and Peter Leone, M.D., University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, will headline an Abbott workshop entitled: "25 Years of HIV Diagnostics and Beyond: The Future of HIV Testing and Confirmation." These world-renowned HIV experts will review Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV testing recommendations; report the latest information on HIV incidence in the United States; and provide insights into choosing tests and confirmatory algorithms.
• Tuesday, July 27 at 6 p.m.: The topic of managing seriously ill patients will be addressed in Abbott's workshop entitled, "Evolving Role of the Laboratory in Management of Acutely Ill Patients." The session will present a strong overview of acute cardiac and renal illnesses and relate the emerging clinical acceptance of new biomarkers like troponin and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) for rapid diagnosis and management of these patients. The speakers are Allan S. Jaffe, M.D., Mayo Clinic; Prasad Devarajan, M.D., University of Cincinnati Children's Hospital; and Fred S. Apple, Ph.D., Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis.
• Wednesday, July 28 at 7 a.m.: As labs and laboratorians continue to struggle with doing more with less, and with fewer errors, Abbott turns the spotlight on solutions to laboratory quality management issues with a workshop entitled, "Transform Your Laboratory Operations with Six Sigma Quality, Informatics and Automation," featuring Sten Westgard, Westgard QC; Sharon Cox, Saint Francis Hospital System; and Ed Mede, Abbott Diagnostics.  

A complete list of Abbott's posters, workshops and presentations can be found at: www.abbottdiagnostics.com. Other materials and information will be available at Abbott's booth (#6808).

ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo Assay Intended Use

The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) for the simultaneous qualitative detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV type 1 (HIV-1 group M and group O) and/or type 2 (HIV-2) in human serum and plasma (EDTA and heparin). The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1/HIV-2 infection, including acute or primary HIV-1 infection. The assay may also be used as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV-1/HIV-2 infection in pediatric subjects (i.e., children as young as two years of age) and in pregnant women. An ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo reactive result does not distinguish between the detection of HIV p24 antigen, HIV-1 antibody, or HIV-2 antibody. The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo is not intended for use in screening blood or plasma donors. The effectiveness of ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo for use in screening blood or plasma donors has not been established. However, this assay can be used as a blood donor screening assay in urgent situations where traditional licensed blood donor screening tests are unavailable or their use is impractical.

WARNING:  Assay results should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's clinical presentation, history, and other laboratory results. If the results are inconsistent with clinical evidence, additional testing is suggested to confirm the result. The performance of this assay has not been established for individuals younger than two years of age.

For In Vitro Diagnostic Use

About Abbott Diagnostics

Abbott is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics and offers a broad range of innovative instrument systems and tests for hospitals, reference labs, molecular labs, blood banks, physician offices and clinics. With more than 69,000 customers in more than 100 countries, Abbott's diagnostic products offer customers automation, convenience, bedside testing, cost effectiveness and flexibility. Abbott has helped transform the practice of medical diagnosis from an art to a science through the company's commitment to improving patient care and lowering costs.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 83,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott