The Versant HIV-1 RNA 3.0 Assay (bDNA) directly measures HIV-1 viral levels in plasma using branched DNA (bDNA) signal amplification technology. It uses more than 80 different probes targeted at the most highly conserved region of the viral genome (pol region), resulting in detection and quantification of all major HIV-1 subtypes (Group M, clades A-G). The test is precise enough to reliably detect significant (threefold) changes in viral load throughout its entire quantitation range.
     bDNA technology and the System 340 Analyzer deliver a high throughput of up to 168 samples per run that minimizes hands-on time, increases productivity and flexibility, and can be performed in one room. Due to the assay’s broad dynamic range of 75 – 500,000 copies/mL, the test is run only once, minimizing the need to dilute high viral load specimens or reflex low viral load specimens.
Bayer Diagnostics
www.bayerdiag.com
Keywords: HIV, infectious disease, molecular diagnostics, automation