IVD Technology Magazine
IVDT Article Index

Originally published July, 1998

IVD Technology News

Osteoporosis test gets automated

Most testing for osteoporosis involves x-ray or ultrasound technologies that do not lend themselves to automation. Metra Biosystems, Inc. (Mountain View, CA), however, is hoping to corner the high-throughput osteoporosis screening market with release of its deoxypyridinoline crosslinks (Dpd) immunoassay.

Dpd is a recognized marker of bone resorption that is excreted in urine. Metra's test can be used to support a decision to initiate antiresorptive therapy and to monitor its effectiveness. According to John Coombes, Metra vice president for sales and marketing, the company's test has advantages over the more commonly used imaging technologies. "X-rays and other specialized imaging techniques assess the state of bone health, while immunoassays assess the dynamics of bone metabolism."

Metra's marketing partnership with Bayer (Tarrytown, NY) will make the Dpd test available for use on the Bayer Immuno-1 system. Chiron Diagnostics (Emeryville, CA) and Diagnostic Products Corp. (Los Angeles) are also selling the Dpd test for use on their automated systems. According to Coombes, Metra plans to make the test widely available to established companies in the automated immunoassay industry. "This will enable a Dpd test to be available on thousands of automated analyzers throughout the world," he says.—Gary Woo