H1N1 Pandemic May Have Peaked in October in U.S., According to Quest Diagnostics
November 20 2009 - 3:30PM
PR Newswire (US)
Quest Diagnostics Health Trends(TM) Report based on results of more
than 142,000 patient specimens tested for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus
since May 2009 MADISON, N.J., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Rates of infection by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus may have peaked
in late October, but the pandemic flu virus continues to be a
potential source of illness in all age groups, including the
elderly, according to a new report by Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE:DGX), the world's leading provider of diagnostic
testing, information and services. In its most recent Quest
Diagnostics Health Trends(TM) Report "Testing for H1N1 in America,"
Quest Diagnostics analyzed results of more than 142,000
de-identified patient specimens tested for the 2009 H1N1 influenza
virus in the U.S. between May 11, 2009, when the company introduced
its first test for detecting the pandemic virus to physicians, and
November 10, 2009. Quest Diagnostics is the only company in the
U.S. that both performs 2009 H1N1 laboratory testing and, through
its Focus Diagnostics business, provides two commercial 2009 H1N1
flu virus test kits authorized by the FDA for emergency use by
complex molecular labs. Key findings from the report: -- In the
weeks following October 27, test demand for the virus has declined
after several weeks of strong growth. -- About 99 percent of
positive influenza A specimens tested were positive for 2009 H1N1
influenza. -- The number of specimens that tested positive for 2009
H1N1 influenza dropped in all age groups since late October, with
the exception of those 65 years of age and older. In this age
group, rates of positivity have tripled since late August, and are
now at about 14 percent. -- Rates of positive test results for the
pandemic have declined in recent weeks in most regions, with the
exception of the Northeast, where rates have more than doubled
during the two weeks ending November 10 compared to approximately
the last two weeks of October. "Our data provides encouraging signs
that the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus isn't spreading as aggressively
now as it did in September and most of October. This decline may be
due to several factors, including infection of millions of
Americans with this influenza virus and the impact of H1N1
vaccinations, which may have reduced the number of people
susceptible to infection, and changes in physician test-ordering
practices," said Jay M. Lieberman, M.D., medical director,
infectious diseases, Quest Diagnostics. "Nonetheless, our data also
clearly indicates that the 2009 H1N1 virus continues to be the
predominant influenza strain in the U.S. The bottom line is that
the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic in America is far from over." To read
the full report, please visit QuestDiagnostics.com/HealthTrends.
The company's 2009 H1N1 influenza virus tests employ real-time
reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to
qualitatively detect the 2009 H1N1 flu virus in a patient's nasal
or nasopharyngeal specimens. The test targets a region of the
hemagglutinin gene of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus specifically to
detect the presence of 2009 H1N1 influenza RNA, thereby
differentiating it from seasonal human influenza A viruses. Quest
Diagnostics' Focus Diagnostics business has a track record of being
first to market with new laboratory testing services for emerging
infectious diseases. The company introduced a 2009 H1N1 flu test
approximately two weeks after the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services declared a pandemic emergency in the U.S. in late
April. In addition, the FDA has issued emergency use authorizations
to Focus Diagnostics for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus tests that the
company provides commercially as test kits to complex molecular
labs. These test kits include the new Simplexa-branded test kit on
the 3M Integrated Cycler from 3M. Earlier this week, the company
announced that the Simplexa 2009 H1N1 influenza virus test is now
available in 35 countries in Europe as well as the U.S. For more
information about Quest Diagnostics and influenza testing options,
please visit http://www.questdiagnostics.com/2009H1N1 or
http://www.focusdx.com/2009H1N1. About the FDA's Emergency Use
Authorization The Focus Diagnostics' 2009 H1N1 influenza virus
tests have not been FDA cleared or approved. These tests have been
authorized by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). These
H1N1 tests are only authorized for the duration of the declaration
of emergency under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. section
360bbb-3(b)(1). The declaration of emergency will expire on April
26, 2010, unless it is terminated or revoked sooner or renewed.
About Quest Diagnostics Quest Diagnostics is the world's leading
provider of diagnostic testing, information and services that
patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The
company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services
through its network of laboratories and patient service centers,
and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive
medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in
developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare
information technology solutions that help improve patient care.
Additional company information is available at
http://www.questdiagnostics.com/. Media Contact: Wendy Bost, Media,
+1-973-520-2800, or Kathleen Valentine, Investors, +1-973-520-2900,
both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated DATASOURCE: Quest
Diagnostics Incorporated CONTACT: Wendy Bost, Media,
+1-973-520-2800, or Kathleen Valentine, Investors, +1-973-520-2900,
both for Quest Diagnostics Incorporated Web Site:
http://www.questdiagnostics.com/
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