Global healthcare major Roche has announced that its cobas MPX-E assay—a cutting-edge test for detecting HIV types 1 and 2, as well as Hepatitis C, B, and E—is now available in CE-marked countries. 

 

The new assay consolidates screening for four major viral threats into a single workflow, streamlining lab operations and enhancing the safety of blood and blood products worldwide.

 

“Safe, timely access to blood products is a cornerstone of modern healthcare,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “With the launch of the cobas MPX-E test, we will help ensure that patients receive the safe blood products they need by providing a fully integrated solution that includes the most critical viral pathogens and improves lab efficiency.”

 

The assay’s design addresses the evolving needs of modern laboratories. Its increased sensitivity and specificity aim to prevent Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmission through transfusions—a critical concern given HEV infects an estimated 20 million people and causes 70,000 deaths annually, often without symptoms.

 

The cobas MPX-E test also includes dual-target detection for HIV-1 group M, scanning two independent regions of the viral genome to maintain accuracy even when mutations are present.

 

The assay runs on Roche’s fully automated cobas x800 systems—including the cobas® 6800/8800 and 5800—already used by labs globally to perform more than 10 million tests per month.

 

With the global nucleic acid testing (NAT) market for blood screening valued at around 800 million CHF and projected to grow 2% annually through 2029, the cobas MPX-E offers labs a scalable, cost-effective solution. It allows flexible testing for all four viral targets or individual selection based on specific needs, with up to eight hours of walk-away time thanks to ready-to-load reagents and automation.

 

For laboratories implementing or currently screening for HEV, the new assay promises faster turnaround times and eliminates the need for additional equipment or floor space.