Dade Behring Launches N Latex CDT for Use on Its BN Systems; First Direct Immunoassay to Identify Chronic Alcohol Abuse.DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Dade Behring (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :DADE), the global leader in plasma protein diagnostics, today announced that it has launched the N Latex CDT CDT abbr. Central Daylight Time CDT Central Daylight Time CDT n abbr (US) (= Central Daylight Time) → hora de verano del centro; (BRIT assay in the European marketplace(a) for use with its BN(TM)II and BN ProSpec(R) systems. The assay is the first fully automated and direct CDT immunoassay Immunoassay An assay that quantifies antigen or antibody by immunochemical means. The antigen can be a relatively simple substance such as a drug, or a complex one such as a protein or a virus. method to identify chronic alcohol abuse. CDT includes the isoforms disialo-, monosialo-, and asialotransferrin, which are collectively named carbohydrate deficient transferrin Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a laboratory test used to help detect heavy ethanol consumption. Transferrin is a plasma protein that carries iron through the bloodstream to the bone marrow, where red blood cells are manufactured, as well as to the liver (CDT). CDT is regarded as the most specific marker for the detection and monitoring of chronic alcohol abuse.(1) Heavy drinkers show higher CDT concentrations due to a changed glycosylation pattern of transferrin transferrin /trans·fer·rin/ (-fer´in) a glycoprotein mainly produced in the liver, binding and transporting iron, closely related to the apoferritin of the intestinal mucosa. trans·fer·rin n. . CDT testing is effective for early identification of alcohol abuse and the differential diagnosis of alcohol and non-alcohol induced liver diseases. About 20% of patients seen in clinical practice present underlying alcohol misuse.(2) High alcohol consumption increases the risk of health problems such as liver diseases, hypertension, stroke/cardiovascular disease, cancer in the airway and digestive tract, chronic gastritis, and overall mortality.(3) CDT is a specific marker for the determination of chronic alcohol abuse (greater than 60 g alcohol/day for a minimum of 2 weeks) and is also an accurate indicator of a relapse to drinking. In combination with N Antiserum antiserum /an·ti·se·rum/ (an´ti-se?rum) a serum containing antibody(ies), obtained from an animal immunized either by injection of antigen or by infection with microorganisms containing antigen. to human transferrin, the N Latex CDT assay offers a fully automated result available in less than twenty minutes, and an automatic calculation of CDT percentage on BN(TM) systems. "In keeping with our commitment to relevant, life-saving innovation, we are pleased to offer the first fully-automated and highly-specific immunoassay for the detection of high alcohol consumption, a frequent cause of liver diseases," said Jim Reid-Anderson, Chairman, President and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Dade Behring. "Having the ability to identify liver damage caused by high alcohol consumption will better enable physicians to quickly determine and implement the proper treatment for their patients, thus saving or enhancing the quality of life for many individuals." With 2004 revenues of nearly $1.6 billion, Dade Behring is the world's largest company dedicated solely to clinical diagnostics. It offers a wide range of products, systems and services designed to meet the day-to-day needs of laboratories, delivering innovative solutions to customers and enhancing the quality of life for patients. Additional company information is available on the internet at www.dadebehring.com. (a) The N Latex CDT assay is not available in the U.S. Please contact your local representative regarding product availability in your country. 1. J.P. Allen, Military Medicine, 168.5(2003): 364-367 2. R. Schwan et al., Drug and Alcohol Dependence Drug and Alcohol Dependence is an international scientific journal on biomedical and psychosocial approaches. Its mission is to publish original research, scholarly reviews, commentaries, and policy analyses in the area of drug, alcohol and tobacco use and dependence. , 74 (2004): 273-279 3. Alcohol Research and Health, Vol. 24, No. 1, 2000 |
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