The World Health Organisation has listed the first Mpox in vitro diagnostic under its Emergency Use Listing procedure, marking a significant advancement in enhancing global access to testing of this deadly viral disease which has killed hundreds across the world. The WHO, in a viral statement, said the emergency use approval for the Alinity m MPXV assay - produced by Abbott Molecular Inc., is pivotal in expanding diagnostic capacity in countries facing the outbreaks – mostly in Africa - where the need for quick and accurate testing has risen sharply.
Alinity m MPXV assay is a real-time PCR test that helps detect the Mpox virus DNA from human skin lesion swabs – which the WHO has noted is intended for use only by trained personnel in clinical laboratories. More diagnostic tests being evaluated by the WHO Apart from this approval, WHO also said it is evaluating three more Mpox diagnostic tests for emergency use and is in talks with other manufacturers to further expand the availability of diagnostic tools for the viral infection - a rare disease that is similar to smallpox and causes flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, and a rash that can take weeks to clear. There’s no proven treatment for Mpox, but it usually goes away on its own.
What is the Emergency Use Listing Procedure? According to experts, the Alinity m MPXV assay detects DNA from pustular or vesicular rash samples – enabling the laboratory and health workers to confirm suspected cases efficiently and effecti.
