LabCorp Introduces a Test to Identify Enterovirus D-68 (EV-D68)
December 18 2014 - 8:45AM
Business Wire
Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp®) (NYSE:
LH) announced today the availability of a reflex test to identify
enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), which is associated with severe
respiratory illness that primarily affects children.
Enterovirus (EV) infections cause a wide spectrum of both common
and uncommon illnesses. EVs cause millions of symptomatic
infections annually in the United States.
Most non-neurological infections with these viruses are
relatively benign, but respiratory tract infections caused by
EV-D68 can be more serious, particularly among pediatric patients
with asthma.
Beginning in August 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and state public health agencies reported a marked
increase in pediatric patients with severe respiratory illness
linked to EV-D68. Many patients required hospitalization,
including, at times, admission to pediatric intensive care units.
The EV-D68 outbreak has continued through late fall with more than
1,100 EV-D68 infections confirmed in the United States. There are
no available vaccines or specific treatments for EV-D68, and
several widely-used antiviral drugs have not been effective in
treating EV-D68 patients. In response, CDC has issued protocols for
health care professionals for clinical evaluation, reporting and
treatment of patients suspected or confirmed to be infected with
EV-D68.
The EV-D68 PCR test determines the presence or absence of
enteroviral RNA in a respiratory sample, and if positive, reflexes
to an EV-D68-specific PCR test. The EV-D68 subtyping PCR test
enables the presence or absence of the predominant D68 strain to be
determined. “Understanding the underlying cause of this severe
illness allows the clinician to manage symptoms appropriately
through protocols like those issued by CDC, which may also help
reduce further transmission of the virus," said Dr. Mark Brecher,
LabCorp’s Chief Medical Officer.
About LabCorp®
Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings, an S&P 500
company, is a pioneer in commercializing new diagnostic
technologies and the first in its industry to embrace genomic
testing. With annual revenues of $5.8 billion in 2013, over 34,000
employees worldwide, and more than 220,000 clients, LabCorp offers
more than 4,000 tests ranging from routine blood analyses to
reproductive genetics to companion diagnostics. LabCorp furthers
its scientific expertise and innovative clinical testing technology
through its LabCorp Specialty Testing Group: The Center for
Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Genetics Institute,
ViroMed Laboratories, Inc, The Center for Esoteric Testing,
Litholink Corporation, Integrated Genetics, Integrated Oncology,
Dianon Pathology, Monogram Biosciences, Inc, Colorado Coagulation,
Cellmark Forensics, MedTox, and Endocrine Sciences. LabCorp
conducts clinical trials testing through its LabCorp Clinical
Trials division. LabCorp clients include physicians, government
agencies, managed care organizations, hospitals, clinical labs, and
pharmaceutical companies. To learn more about our organization,
visit our website at: www.labcorp.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements including
with respect to estimated 2014 guidance and the impact of various
factors on operating results. Each of the forward-looking
statements is subject to change based on various important factors,
including without limitation, competitive actions in the
marketplace and adverse actions of governmental and other
third-party payers. Actual results could differ materially from
those suggested by these forward-looking statements. Further
information on potential factors that could affect LabCorp’s
operating and financial results is included in the Company’s Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, including under the
heading risk factors, and in the Company’s other filings with the
SEC. The information in this press release should be read in
conjunction with a review of the Company’s filings with the SEC
including the information in the section of the Company’s Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2013 and subsequent Forms 10-Q
under the heading MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
LabCorp®Investor/Media Contact:Stephen Anderson,
336-436-5076Company Information: www.labcorp.com
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