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MedMira Rapid HIV Screening Test Achieves 100% in University of Nairobi KAVI Performance Evaluation
MedMira Rapid HIV Screening Test Achieves 100% in University of Nairobi KAVI Performance Evaluation
About this update from Medmira Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n\n\n Jun. 1, 2010 (Canada NewsWire Group) -- 3-Minute Test Will Increase Efficiencies and Cost Savings in Kenya's Initiative to Test 8 Million People\n\n MedMira Inc., ("MedMira") (TSX Venture: MIR, NASDAQ: MMIRF), a developer of rapid diagnostic technology and solutions, announced today that the Company is making further progress in bringing the world's fastest rapid HIV test to the Kenyan market. MedMira's 3-minute Reveal Rapid HIV Antibody Test (Reveal HIV) recently underwent a performance evaluation with the University of Nairobi's Kenya AIDS Vaccine Initiative (KAVI).\nIn the study evaluating the performance of Reveal HIV and comparing its sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utility side-by-side with the current reference rapid tests approved for Kenya's national HIV testing algorithm, Reveal HIV achieved 100%. The KAVI report concludes that the main advantage Reveal HIV has is the testing procedure is completed and the results obtained within 3 minutes. Most, if not all rapid HIV tests in the Kenyan market take from 15 to 60 minutes to obtain the results.\n"In collaboration with Vitest and Advance Aid, our partners in Kenya, we are making swift progress in introducing our Reveal rapid HIV test in Kenya. Evaluations and approvals are always key components of our market entry plans and this KAVI evaluation is a major step forward in Kenya," said Hermes Chan, CEO, MedMira Inc.\nChan continued "With a program underway to test eight million people in 2010, we know that our 3-minute rapid HIV test can make a major contribution to Kenya's testing initiatives. Reducing false results rates and improving the testing capacity of each counselor by 10 to 20 times translates into better use of resources and successful programs. Reveal HIV delivers the quality and speed needed to accomplish this."\nAs with many large scale testing campaigns, Kenya's national door-to-door drive to test 80% of its population in 2010 is not without challenges, including labour shortages and quality products. According to recent reports, hundreds and perhaps thousands of Kenyans and Ugandans received false test results at voluntary counselling and testing centres in Nairobi due to a faulty 15-minute rapid HIV test.\n"We are delighted with the excellent results of the KAVI examination and with the endorsement that thi...