In a newly announced $8.9 million agreement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response will work with to develop a new Zika virus test.
The serological test — called the ADVIA Centaur Zika IgM Assay — detects antibodies produced in response to the Zika virus and is expected to produce results in less than an hour. If successful, the test could be deployed to nearly 2,000 testing sites across the United States.
As part of HHS’ agreement, the agency will support the development of the test, preparations for manufacturing, and clinical studies to assist with Siemens’ application for U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance.
America’s Essential Hospitals has established a resource page dedicated to this public health threat. Visit this page regularly for new and updated information.