Last year, Mindray launched the ToRCH Panel including Toxo IgM, Toxo IgG, Rubella IgM, Rubella IgG, CMV IgM, and CMV IgG, a result of our ongoing commitment to innovation. In response to the evolving clinical requirements, we have expanded the ToRCH panel this year by introducing Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) assays. These assays have been specifically designed to deliver high levels of specificity and sensitivity.
Herpes simplex virus is a member of the herpesvirus family and a species that infects humans only. To date, there is no permanent cure for herpes. Once infected, the virus persists throughout a person’s lifetime, leading to the development of painful or itchy sores and blisters. [1] Although it typically does not cause severe complications, it can pose risks in infants and individuals with compromised immune systems.
There are two different types of HSV. Type 1 (HSV-1) spreads primarily through oral contact and can cause infections in or around the mouth (oral herpes or cold sores). It can also cause genital herpes infections. Type 2 (HSV-2) spreads through sexual contact and can result in genital herpes infections. [1] Once a person becomes infected with the virus, it remains in the body. The virus lies inactive in the nerve cells until certain factors trigger it to become active again.
Many guidelines recommend performing a type-specific HSV IgG antibody test to help determine the infection status and distinguish between HSV-1 and HSV-2. On the other hand, IgM antibody tests are typically used for detecting acute infections.
To cater to the increasingly diverse clinical requirements, Mindray has launched a series of HSV assays including HSV-1 IgG, HSV-2 IgG, HSV-1+2 IgG, and HSV-1+2 IgM. These assays demonstrate high levels of sensitivity and specificity, achieved through Mindray’s consistent efforts to improve the raw materials, processes, formulas, and reaction models. The introduction of these HSV assays has positioned Mindray to confidently offer a full menu of ToRCH tests consisting of 10 assays with proven quality.
The ToRCH assays can be carried out on all of Mindray's chemiluminescence analyzers, which are designed to cater to laboratories with varying testing requirements.
References
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus
[2] Kimberlin DW, Rouse DJ. Clinical practice. Genital herpes. N Engl J Med. 2004 May 6;350(19):1970-7. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcp023065. PMID: 15128897.
