By M&M Reporter
Kenya has become the first country in Africa to have within its borders a technology that hospitals and researchers can use to store blood with HIV/AIDS virus at room temperature for 21 days.
This latest development which help in the fight against HIV Aids comes after the launch today of the latest blood sample collection in the country.
The Blood STATIS DNA technology launched in Nairobi earlier in the day incorporates a plastic evacuated tube that contains proprietary additives to stabilize blood cells to help in the anti‐coagulation of blood cells.
It is intended for collection, stabilization, transportation and storage of whole blood at room temperature for up to 21 days and eliminates the need for costly cold chain transportation of blood samples.
Going forward, it will be easier to collect and preserve blood for HIV testing for longer periods, and without possible contamination of samples. This will assist researchers in viral load monitoring for patients suffering from HIV/Aids, and easy follow up as Blood STASIS tubes allow stabilization of the HIV virus in whole blood for 21 days.
The technology was launche by MagBio Genomics Solutions Africa (MGSA) a private limited company incorporated in Kenya, and an affiliate of the United States based MagBio Genomics Incorporated. It has received the requisite approvals from the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya and KEMRI.
“The uniqueness of the Blood STASIS system lies in its ability to allow blood sample collection, and storage at room temperature for up to 21 days, allowing for more accurate and quality data in HIV research,” said Dr Hyacinth Ntchobo, CEO of MagBio GSA.
Speaking during the launch which was attended by NASCOP Head Dr Kigen Barmasai and senior scientists and researchers from KEMRI and the University of Nairobi, Mr Ntchobo said the system allows flexibility and more efficiency in processing high volume blood samples for HIV.
He challenged scientist in Kenya to deploy medical technology in the fight against HIV/Aids like was happening in USA and Europe, adding that the company is working closely with research institutions in Kenya and the rest of Africa to develop customized products or technology as a solution to address scientific challenges.
He said the company plans to set up a production factory for its products in Kenya in the near future to serve the region.
