ATLANTA, June 7, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche (SIX: RO, ROG;
OTCQX: RHHBY) will feature new test options that expand the opportunities for laboratories to automate molecular testing, and
will offer presentations from industry experts on key microbiology topics in its booth beginning today at ASM Microbe 2018, the
American Society for Microbiology's annual conference, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
For its fully automated, high-throughput cobas 6800 and 8800 systems, Roche is introducing its recently FDA-cleared CT/NG
test, which now allows laboratories to consolidate STI testing with Roche's viral load test menu—including HIV, hepatitis B,
hepatitis C and cytomegalovirus (CMV)—as moderate-complexity tests, significantly reducing operating time and labor. Roche also
has TV/MG (Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium), HPV and HIV1/HIV2 qualitative assays in development
for the same platforms (not available for sale in the U.S.).
Also being introduced for the cobas 6800/8800 platforms is the cobas omni Utility Channel, which enables labs to consolidate
their own lab-developed tests with IVD tests on the same system. This feature can help labs to minimize errors and free up
skilled staff by fully automating the manual steps for routine LDTs, improving testing efficiency without sacrificing test
quality.
Roche is also highlighting the addition of its recently cleared cobas Factor II and Factor V test to the menu for its
automated cobas 4800 system. The test enables laboratories to simultaneously assess Factor II and Factor V gene mutations from a
single patient sample, which can reduce hands-on time when testing patients for inherited thrombophilia. The addition to the menu
allows labs to consolidate genomics, oncology and microbiology testing onto a single platform.
In addition, Roche will be featuring a rotating series of 30-minute presentations by microbiology experts on key topics in the
Micro Insights Theater in its booth (#2005) between 11 am and 3 pm each day. Topics include C.
difficile testing, MRSA screening, the role of mycoplasma genitalium in sexual health management, healthcare IT, automating LDTs,
molecular HSV testing and more.
Roche is presenting additional educational opportunities in conjunction with ASM's Industry and Science events:
Industry and Science Workshop (B312 Convention Center)
The Evolution of Influenza Infection and Diagnostics: Detection by PCR - Are We Finally
There?
Glen T. Hansen, PhD, FCCM, D(ABMM)
Director Clinical Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics, Hennepin County Medical Center
Thursday, June 7 12:00 - 12:45PM
Industry and Science Showcases (Theater B)
Improving diagnostic stewardship for C. difficile: Importance of clinician and
laboratory partnership
Allison R. McMullen, PhD, D(ABMM)
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Medical Director of Microbiology, Augusta University - Medical College of
Georgia
Friday, June 8 12:00 - 12:45PM
Detecting CRE to support infection control and antimicrobial stewardship initiatives
Patricia J. Simner, PhD, D(ABMM)
Associate Professor of Pathology, Director of Bacteriology and Parasitology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins
Medicine
Saturday, June 9 12:00 - 12:45PM
More information about the educational opportunities and Micro Insights Theater presentations, as well as the products
featured in the Roche booth, is available at asm2018.roche.com.
About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined
strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalized healthcare – a strategy
that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious
diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and
tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better
ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. The company also aims to
improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Thirty medicines developed by Roche
are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics,
antimalarials and cancer medicines. Roche has been recognized as the Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals,
Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry nine years in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).
The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in
2017 employed about 94,000 people worldwide. In 2017, Roche invested CHF 10.4 billion in R&D
and posted sales of CHF 53.3 billion. Genentech, in the United
States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical,
Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com or usdiagnostics.roche.com.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
For further information, please contact:
Mike Weist
Communications Business Partner
Roche Diagnostics Corporation
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
317.521.3112 office
317.371.0035 mobile
mike.weist@roche.com
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SOURCE Roche Diagnostics