OraSure Technologies Announces Rapid HCV Testing Initiatives for First National Hepatitis Testing Day
18 May 2012 - 10:49PM
OraSure Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSUR) today announced its
support of numerous rapid hepatitis C (HCV) testing initiatives for
the first National Hepatitis Testing Day, taking place on May 19,
2012. These testing initiatives, happening in more than 20 cities
across the country, will help encourage thousands of people across
the U.S. to get tested for hepatitis C with the OraQuick® Rapid HCV
test.
Among these programs is the Check Hep C NYC program, being
launched today by The Fund for Public Health in New York, in
partnership with the New York City Department of Health &
Mental Hygiene Office. This city-wide initiative will provide
hepatitis C community-based services, including rapid hepatitis C
testing for New Yorkers at risk for hepatitis C. The program will
aim to test at least 5,000 persons for hepatitis C using the
OraQuick® HCV rapid test.
"With the release of a new HCV rapid test, more individuals will
become aware of their HCV status and will need HCV-related
services," said New York City Deputy Health Commissioner Dr. Jay
Varma. "It is imperative that New Yorkers with hepatitis C be
linked with health care and human services providers in their
communities, and Check Hep C is designed to get this done as
effectively as possible."
OraSure is also working with Walgreens and local community-based
organizations to provide free screenings for hepatitis C at six
Walgreens retail pharmacies in Chicago, Houston, St. Louis and
Washington D.C. on Saturday, May 19. Testing will be conducted by
the local community-based organizations.
Additional OraQuick® HCV testing initiatives are taking place
this week in Chicago, Columbus, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New
York City, Washington, D.C. and various other cities.
According to the CDC, hepatitis C is the most common chronic
blood-borne infection in the U.S., and a leading cause of chronic
liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer. More than four
million people are estimated to have hepatitis C in the U.S. –
including 1 in 33 baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965).
It is estimated that up to 75 percent of those individuals infected
with HCV are unaware of their status.
"We are proud to be among the many organizations taking action
today against hepatitis C by promoting greater awareness, education
and testing for those at risk for the disease," said Douglas A.
Michels, President and CEO of OraSure Technologies. "Of the
more than four million Americans estimated to be infected with HCV
today, most are unaware. Our new rapid OraQuick® HCV test makes
testing easier and more accessible."
OraQuick® HCV is the only FDA-approved rapid, point-of-care test
for the detection of antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. The test,
which utilizes the OraQuick® technology platform, provides results
in 20 minutes.
About OraSure Technologies
OraSure Technologies is a leader in the development, manufacture
and distribution of oral fluid diagnostic and collection devices
and other technologies designed to detect or diagnose critical
medical conditions. Its innovative products include rapid tests for
the detection of antibodies to HIV and HCV at the point of care and
testing solutions for detecting various drugs of abuse. In
addition, the Company is a leading provider of oral fluid sample
collection, stabilization and preparation products for molecular
diagnostic applications. OraSure's portfolio of products is sold
globally to various clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics,
community-based organizations and other public health
organizations, research and academic institutions, distributors,
government agencies, physicians' offices, and commercial and
industrial entities. The Company's products enable healthcare
providers to deliver critical information to patients, empowering
them to make decisions to improve and protect their
health.
For more information on OraSure Technologies, please visit
www.orasure.com.
The OraSure Technologies, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6440
CONTACT: Media Contact:
Jennifer Moritz
Zer0 to 5ive for OraSure Technologies
917-748-4006
jmoritz@0to5.com
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