Esoterix Infectious Disease Center Introduces HCVComplete

Esoterix Infectious Disease has introduced another test in their "complete" line of assays. HCVComplete is a comprehensive diagnostic tool for Hepatitis C. Last year, Esoterix launched HIVComplete. These assays, with their 72-hour turn around time, are the most comprehensive solution to the managment of both diseases.

San Antonio, TX: Esoterix Infectious Disease Center announced today the launch of HCVCompleteSM, the most comprehensive Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing program available. HCVComplete offers a flexible platform to provide quick, accurate and insightful information for the diagnosis of Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is suspected to infect more than 3.9 million people in the United States and perhaps as many as 200 million around the world.

"HCVComplete provides an avenue for physicians to order any combination of tests that will meet the precise needs of individual patients," explains Dr. Ted E. Schutzbank, Chief Scientific Officer for Esoterix Infectious Disease Center. "This flexibility rapidly delivers patient-specific information into disease stage and risk factor, helping the physician to better formulate an optimal treatment regimen."

Assays offered in HCVComplete include HCV Antibody (Anti-HCV), HCV Confirmed by RIBA, HCV RNA by PCR in qualitative, quantitative and ultra sensitive quantitative platforms as well as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase).

HCVComplete also features HCVMapSM, a sophisticated genotyping method. With an industry leading 72-hour turnaround, HCVMap employs the "gold standard" technology of bi-directional DNA sequencing developed by Visible Genetics, to classify all major HCV genotypes and their most common subtypes.

HCVComplete is part of Esoterix Infectious Disease Center?s "complete " family of assays. Last year, Esoterix launched HIVComplete, the first comprehensive testing and information service focusing on the management of HIV.

The latest U.S. Public Health Service/Infectious Diseases Society of America (USPHS/IDSA) guidelines recommend that all HIV-infected persons be screened for HCV as nearly one quarter of HIV patients, in the United States, are also infected with HCV. HCV progresses more rapidly in HIV patients and may also impact the course and management of HIV. The combination of HCVComplete and HIVComplete gives physicians a comprehensive solution to balance the management of both diseases.

Esoterix Infectious Disease Center is a specialized provider of laboratory services focused exclusively on assisting clients in diagnosing, monitoring and treating patients with microbial diseases. As a multi-discipline facility, Esoterix Infectious Disease Center offers services in molecular diagnostics, virology, bacteriology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, mycology, serology, immunology and flow cytometry.

Esoterix Infectious Disease Center is part of the Esoterix Inc. family of laboratories. Founded in 1995, Esoterix, Inc. is a unique company providing technology-based laboratory services and information solutions to enhance healthcare providers' ability to manage and care for patients. Esoterix has 590 employees and is privately funded through Behrman Capital of New York. (www.esoterix.com).

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contact: Dori Thornhill (877) 263 - 9499