Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., is now offering the first test kits available in the U.S. to enable serological detection of the Zika virus in research applications. The kits, manufactured by EUROIMMUN AG, can differentiate between Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses. These tests also enable researchers to detect the virus in samples over a much longer period of time than is possible with current direct-detection assays.

The EUROIMMUN Anti-Zika Virus ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) test formats allow researchers to detect specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) in blood samples. The highly specific viral antigen used in the assays virtually eliminates cross reactivity with other flavivirus antibodies that are known to interact with the Zika virus, enabling reliable differentiation from viruses such as dengue fever. The EUROIMMUN antibody detection test kits can be run on fully automated analyzers, allowing researchers to work with large volumes of samples to better understand the virus.

The EUROIMMUN Anti-Zika Virus ELISA and IFA test kits are available immediately through the Fisher HealthCare channel.

These products are intended for research use only and are not intended for diagnostic use.