With the new VERSANT® kPCR Molecular System*, Siemens offers clinical laboratories a unique proprietary extraction technology that uses silica-coated magnetic particles for nucleic acid isolation. In addition to the system, the VERSANT HIV-1 RNA 1.0 Assay (kPCR) has also been introduced for monitoring the viral load of HIV-1 infected patients who are undergoing antiviral therapy. Viral load testing measures the plasma levels of the virus, which is critical for monitoring and guiding patients’ HIV therapy. This represents a further step in Siemens commitment to supporting the effective diagnosis and treatment of this challenging infectious disease. Donal Quinn, CEO of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, further emphasizes the need for innovative technology, “With nearly three million people diagnosed as HIV positive each year, innovation to improve both workflow and patient care is critical.”

The VERSANT kPCR Molecular System, a kinetic polymerase chain reaction analyzer, delivers excellent assay performance with high sensitivity and a broad dynamic range. Laboratories are able to accommodate new testing demands as they arise thanks to system flexibility in combination with an expanding menu. This supports quantitative and qualitative detection across many molecular diagnostic applications. State-of-the-art automation technology and closed-tube processing make molecular testing more efficient. Samples can be processed in less time – up to 96 samples per run with short turn-around times – without the need for clean room operations.

The VERSANT HIV-1 RNA 1.0 Assay (kPCR) is run on the VERSANT kPCR Molecular System and allows viral load changes to be distinguished accurately, improving HIV viral load management. It demonstrates excellent precision across the entire reporting range and equivalent detection of HIV RNA genotypes. Additionally, with the VERSANT extraction system, isolation protocols for DNA and RNA are available, which then can be used in laboratory tests. The system also is able to isolate nucleic acids at high efficiency with innovative, patented, silica-coated magnetic particles that can extract DNA and RNA simultaneously.

• Excellent quality extraction
• Enhanced sample identification and safety
• Confidence in results
• Optimized laboratory workflow and throughput
• Process efficiency and connectivity