DiaSorin Iam Parvo assay for the Liaison Iam instrument

The molecular division of DiaSorin has launched the highly sensitive Iam Parvo assay. The rapid quantitative molecular assay is designed for the Liaison Iam molecular instrument - a benchtop device which meets the needs of laboratories by providing them with a scaleable, molecular diagnostic solution.

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is common and occurs worldwide, with epidemics following a 3- to 4-year cycle. The virus is typically acquired in childhood when it causes the mild, self-limiting rash illness erythema infectiosum (‘slapped cheek’ or ‘fifth disease’). It is transmitted through respiratory droplets and can vary in severity from asymptomatic to life-threatening illness.

B19V infection during pregnancy can have severe consequences, including foetal death or poor outcomes in surviving babies. B19V is also problematic in immunocompromised patients and is the leading cause of pure red cell aplasia in AIDS patients. In individuals with sickle cell anaemia, B19V infection can result in transient aplastic crisis (TAC). Chronic B19V infection can lead to persistent and severe anaemia and is also associated with conditions such as arthropathy, glomerulonephritis and neurological disease.

Calibrated against the WHO standard for B19V, the product is said to provide very good time-to-result benefits when compared to PCR, with equivalent specificity. The Liaison Iam instrument uses the company’s Q-LAMP technology - rapid, real-time, fluorescent, quantitative/qualitative assays designed to be used for multiplexed applications, enabling amplification and detection of multiple targets in a single reaction.