Sensitive, easy-to-perform test on hybridisation assay ascertains an individual's susceptibility to celiac disease and provides improved tool for growing area of research
PerkinElmer has announced the launch of the Delfia celiac disease hybridisation assay, the most sensitive, easy-to-perform test for ascertaining an individual's susceptibility to celiac disease.
The new assay provides a powerful tool for the fast-growing area of celiac disease research.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in sensitivity to gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley.
Celiac disease affects up to 1% of the population in some countries.
If left untreated, celiac disease keeps the body from absorbing needed vitamins and minerals, often leaving an individual anemic and malnourished.
It can also increase the risk of serious long-term conditions, including gastrointestinal cancer and osteoporosis.
Though difficult to diagnose, the disease can be managed effectively through strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for life. "Our method provides the clinicians a new tool to exclude patients with gastric conditions who do not have celiac disease; it also is an excellent aid in defining predisposition to celiac disease for the first degree relatives of confirmed celiac patients," said Howard Grey, global business director, genetic disease screening, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences.
"Our product shows a potential to reduce the need for biopsy in celiac disease diagnosis, a potential reduction of an unpleasant and expensive procedure." The new product is the only test to use the Delfia method, which offers a number of benefits including sensitivity, reliability and ease of use.
The test is suitable for use not only with liquid blood samples but also for blood samples on filter paper, which do not require prior extraction of DNA.
