Point-of-Care HIV Assay To Be Sold in Latin America

A rapid, in-vitro, qualitative test detects antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in human whole blood, serum, or plasma. The test is capable of providing results in 60-seconds and is intended for use as a screening assay by trained personnel in medical facilities, clinical laboratories, emergency care situations, and physicians' offices.

Called Insti HVI-1, the test was developed by a Canadian company called bioLytical (Vancouver). After completion of a lengthy approval process, the company has received final licensing approval to sell and distribute the Insti kit in Venezuela and Mexico.

Latin America has attributed its high HIV transmission rates to common factors including widespread poverty and migration, and a lack of education and awareness, said Matthew Clayton, chief operating officer, bioLytical. This approval is an important and necessary first step to provide the countries in this region with access to rapid HIV testing.

The president and CEO of BioLytical, Carl Roy added, Mexico and Venezuela are leading the way in Latin America by bringing this diagnostic testing to their citizens. We are in discussions with other countries in this region, and we are optimistic the Insti Kit will be available in more countries in the near future.


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