Personal Cell Analysis System helps battle global AIDS pandemic

Guava Technologies, Inc. has announced significant progress in the transition of customers from the Guava EasyCD4^™ System to its recently launched Guava™ AutoCD4/CD4% System. The AutoCD4/CD4% System, based on the personal cell analysis (PCA) platform, is part of the company's broader effort to develop easy to use and maintain, technology specifically designed to monitor treatment of HIV/AIDS.

"Access to appropriate diagnostic tools is crucial in the battle against HIV/AIDS, and we are committed to developing our clinical cell analysis technology so that it is truly accessible to those who need it anywhere in the world," said Larry Bruder, President & CEO of Guava Technologies. "We designed our AutoCD4/CD4% System so that any healthcare professional-even one without prior experience with flow cytometry-can get accurate and reliable test results every time."

The AutoCD4/CD4% System offers several advantages over its predecessor, including new automated gating and acquisition software and a single antibody cocktail. Designed specifically to meet the needs and challenges of a broad population of users, the easy-to-use software allows operators with minimal technical expertise to monitor a patient's T-lymphocytes accurately and effortlessly. The CD4% value is particularly critical for pediatric patients. From this single assay, a technician can get a patient's CD4 count, total lymphocyte count, and CD4% value with only 10 ?l of whole blood and acquire results with just one click of a button. The new software also includes an error detection feature and easy-to-read results in the form of individual patient as well as summary reports. All of these features help ensure reproducible, high quality test results from every sample.

With approximately 40 million people living with the disease and about 3 million dying from it annually, HIV/AIDS is certainly a global pandemic. Almost 65 percent of new infections occur in remote parts of the world, and health care costs are rising almost everywhere. So, access is likely to become a more pressing global concern, generating a desperate need for efficient and cost-effective methods by which the progression and treatment of HIV/AIDS can be monitored effectively on a global basis.

Due to the patented microcapillary design that eliminates the need for complicated fluidics, Guava Instruments are ideally suited for use anywhere in the world, even in remote regions. They are more compact and have fewer moving parts than most traditional flow cytometers. They also accommodate smaller sample volumes, have lower reagent demands, and generate less waste. Further, Guava Software guides the user through whatever procedure is being conducted, whether it's an assay, instrument set-up, or routine maintenance.

According to Mr. Bruder, "knowing that our unique technology is particularly ideal for remote settings is one of the many reasons that we are working to fine tune it as a diagnostic tool that can be deployed globally. We have the potential to make a positive difference in the battle against HIV, and we are working hard to achieve that potential."