Diagnosing Zika virus is challenging. While diagnosis previously relied on serology, it is difficult to differentiate Zika antibodies from other closely related viruses, including dengue. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged test developers to move away from serology-based assays towards nucleic acid-based assays that are more specific and sensitive, if performed during the acute phase of infection. But, new evidence shows that the sensitivity of nucleic acid testing can be impacted by sample type. Test developers around the world are working to quickly deploy tests for surveillance, clinical diagnosis and monitoring, and blood donation screening. Diagnostic Testing and Emerging Technologies (DTET) undertook a sampling of evolving testing recommendations, federal efforts to speed diagnostic development, and industry’s progress on bringing tests to market as the Southern sections of the United States brace for mosquito season and the possibility of local Zika transmission. Testing Recommendations The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing for potentially exposed persons with signs or symptoms consistent with Zika virus infection and for asymptomatic pregnant women within 12 weeks of exposure. From Jan. 3, 2016 to March 5, 2016, Zika virus testing was performed for 4,534 people in the United […]