7 July 2023 — Fujifilm (Thailand) Ltd., a leading provider of total healthcare solutions, has unveiled its revolutionary "FUJIFILM Dengue NS1 Test Kit" to combat the escalating threat of Dengue infections in Thailand and across the globe. The FUJIFILM Dengue NS1 test kit harnesses the power of Fujifilm's proprietary silver amplification technology, making it an exceptionally sensitive detection tool. This cutting-edge technology offers results in just 15 minutes. The swift and accurate diagnosis enabled by this kit empowers healthcare professionals to detect dengue at its early stages, a pivotal step in preventing disease progression and reducing mortality rates. Simultaneously, Fujifilm is also launching FUJIFILM SILVAMP Reader that seamlessly connects with the test kit and automates the transmission of results to hospital information systems, establishing a comprehensive ecosystem for healthcare providers.
Recognizing the gravity of the Dengue infection crisis in Thailand and worldwide, Fujifilm aims to enhance early detection rates, effectively curbing the incidence of severe cases and fatalities. By prioritizing innovation for a healthier world, Fujifilm remains committed to utilizing its extensive expertise and experience to support people globally.
Mr. Kosuke Kijima, Asia Pacific & India, Overseas Sales & Marketing Specialist (In Vitro Diagnostics Division - Medical Systems Business Division) at FUJIFILM Corporation, “As the Dengue situation continues to pose a significant threat in over 100 countries, with the ASEAN region being particularly affected, including Thailand, we are committed to combating this widespread disease. From 2015 to 2019, the ASEAN region saw a staggering 46% increase in dengue cases, with Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand being the most affected. In Thailand alone, we witnessed a severe outbreak between January and May 2023, with a four-fold increase in cases compared to the previous year, resulting in 18,173 cases and 15 deaths.”
These figures reflect a 4.2-fold increase compared to 2022 and mark the highest outbreak in the past three years. The majority of cases were reported in Bangkok, southern provinces, and central provinces. On average, Thailand saw 900 new cases of dengue every week and one death per week. Adds Mr. Kijima, “To address this urgent need, we have introduced the FUJIFILM SILVAMP Dengue NS1 Ag test kit. This highly-sensitive detection kit revolutionizes dengue diagnosis by leveraging our proprietary silver amplification technology. By utilizing silver halide photography, we can amplify the size of gold colloidal particles by approximately 100-fold, enabling early virus detection even before symptoms manifest. With a remarkable sensitivity of 94.3% and 100% specificity, our test kit reacts to all four serotypes of the virus (DEN-1, 2, 3, and 4).
Moreover, it requires only a small amount of blood from the patient. It provides accurate results in less than 20 minutes, compared to traditional methods that could take days. Our kit is compatible with visual and reader detection, enhancing convenience and efficiency in healthcare settings. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the fight against dengue and remain committed to improving global health through innovative solutions.”
Utilizing the highly sensitive rapid diagnostic test kit is a straightforward process with three simple steps. The kit includes a test cartridge and a reagent tube. To test, add a small amount of the specimen (whole blood, serum, and plasma) into the provided reagent tube and shake vigorously to ensure proper mixing. In the first step, place one drop of the solution into the designated cartridge slot, and press Button 2. Wait approximately 15 minutes until the indicator next to the slot displays an orange 'Go Next' mark, signifying completion. Proceed by pressing Button 3 to initiate the Silver Amplification process. Within just one minute, the result shows up on the indicator. With this kit, early diagnosis becomes a tangible reality.
The optional FUJIFILM SILVAMP Reader addresses common challenges associated with human errors and result interpretation. In situations where the result may appear faint or difficult for the human eye to read, the reader provides a reliable solution. With the reader, laboratory personnel can simply press the button once after dropping the blood and placing the cartridge in the reader. This streamlined process allows the staff to attend to other tasks while awaiting the result. Once the result is displayed, the Laboratory Information System (LIS) integrated within the reader automatically transmits the positive/negative result to the connected hospital system. This seamless connectivity establishes a more comprehensive and connected health ecosystem, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability.
Fujifilm remains steadfast in its mission to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of individuals worldwide. Says Mr. Kijima, "Our commitment is centered around enabling timely and early diagnosis, ultimately preventing avoidable deaths through technology. Our past achievements, such as the FUJIFILM COVID-19 Ag Test and the μTASWako AFP-L3 Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Risk Biomarker, demonstrate our dedication to advancing healthcare. With the introduction of our latest accomplishment, the dengue test kit, we further solidify our commitment to providing effective diagnostic solutions in line with the ‘Dengue Zero Death’ initiative by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control and WHO’s global strategy to reduce preventable dengue deaths to zero."
As part of its global "NEVER STOP" campaign, Fujifilm renews its steadfast commitment to improving the health of individuals worldwide. With an unwavering dedication to innovation, Fujifilm strives to push boundaries and utilize its expertise to foster a healthier world, actively working to prevent the mortality caused by preventable diseases.