The cobas MPX-E test provides four critical results (for HIV, HCV, HBV, and HEV) in a single test, increasing laboratory efficiency and decreasing healthcare costs.
The new test delivers faster turnaround times and allows labs to implement Hepatitis E (HEV) screening without requiring additional instrumentation.
Basel, 30 March 2026 – Roche announced that the cobas MPX-E assay, a qualitative in-vitro test for the detection and discrimination of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV 1 and 2) and Hepatitis C, B, and E viruses, is now available in countries accepting the CE mark.
This new assay represents a significant advancement in donor screening by consolidating the detection of four major viral targets into a single, efficient workflow. By identifying these pathogens simultaneously, the cobas MPX-E assay helps laboratories streamline their operations while enhancing the safety of blood and blood products for patients.
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“Safe, timely access to blood products is a cornerstone of modern healthcare,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “With the launch of the cobas MPX-E test, we will help ensure that patients receive the safe blood products they need by providing a fully integrated solution that includes the most critical viral pathogens and improves lab efficiency.”
The cobas MPX-E assay is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern laboratories and, through increased sensitivity and specificity, help to prevent HEV transmission through blood transfusions. Hepatitis E (HEV) alone accounts for an estimated 20 million infections and 70,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Additionally, the new test features dual-target detection for HIV-1 group M, targeting two independent regions of the viral genome to improve sensitivity and ensure reliable results even in the presence of mutations.
The assay runs on the fully automated cobas x800 systems, which are already used by laboratories worldwide to run more than 10 million tests per month.
