Swiss firm Roche has announced the launch of the Elecsys®Anti-HEV IgM and Elecsys Anti-HEV IgG immunoassays for the detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in countries accepting the CE mark.

Elecsys Anti-HEV IgM is an immunoassay for the in vitro qualitative detection of IgM antibodies to HEV in human serum and plasma, and is used as an aid to detect an acute or recently acquired HEV infection. Elecsys Anti-HEV IgG is an immunoassay for the in vitro quantitative determination of IgG antibodies to HEV in human serum and plasma, and is used as an aid to detect a recent or past HEV infection.

The new assays are available for use on the cobas® e 411 analyser, cobas e 601/602 modules, and the cobas e 402 and cobas e 801 analytical modules. 

By testing for HEV infection, clinicians can support their patients to identify the cause of their symptoms and determine appropriate treatment, monitor for progression to severe acute HEV and prevent severe disease progression with antiviral treatment.

Recognising the value of diagnostics, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an “Essential Diagnostics List” which includes in-vitro diagnostics that should be available in all countries to increase timely and life-saving diagnoses. This year for the first time, tests for HEV are included to aid in the diagnosis and surveillance of HEV infection.