Roche Diagnostics has launched the acetaminophen (paracetamol) 10-minutes-to-result assay, offering an easy-to-use, low-cost method for laboratories to incorporate into their routine testing menu.
The assay is said to be easily incorporated onto a Roche platform, which, combined with ready-to-use reagents, ensures time and labour savings.
In addition, the two-shot assay has no interference with the paracetamol antidode N-acetylcysteine, making it reliable for consistent patient follow-up.
Acetaminophen is a common drug used in many formulations due to its analgesic and antipyretic properties.
Chronic excessive use of acetaminophen can result in hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Overdosage of acetaminophen can lead to severe hepatic damage and, if left untreated, to hepatic failure.
Early diagnosis of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity is vitally important - studies have shown that initiation of therapy within 16 hours of ingestion lessens the potential for hepatic injury and decreases the mortality rate.
Laboratories using the Roche acetaminophen assay can provide rapid and accurate quantitative determination of acetaminophen in human serum or plasma, allowing clinicians to instigate therapy at the earliest, potentially life-saving, opportunity.
Assay benefits include: good inter- and intra-assay precision for safe and reliable results and consistency in patient follow-up; superior on-board stability for optimal reagent efficiency (even at only one sample per day); calibration curve stability; high sensitivity and precision.
