AbstractBackground:Differences between the designs of hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load assays can result in genotype-related variability in RNA quantification. We tested paired aliquots of plasma specimens from HCV-infected individuals using two versions (v1.0 and v2.0) of the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Test (CAP/CTM HCV) and noted variability between results for a subset of specimens; we then sought to determine whether discrepant results were more prevalent among specific HCV genotypes.Methods:Archived and prospectively-collected plasma samples from 114 unique patients were tested using CAP/CTM HCV v1.0 and v2.0. The HCV genotype result for each patient was determined by retrospectively reviewing laboratory records.Results:All (46/46) specimens with quantifiable viral loads from patients with genotype 1 or 2 infection had CAP/CTM HCV v1.0 and v2.0 results that were within 0.5 logConclusions:In patients infected with HCV genotype 3, sequential CAP/CTM HCV viral load results should be compared with caution and interpreted in the context of the specific assay version used.
Performance evaluation of the DAAN HCV assay for quantification of hepatitis C virus RNA and its comparison with COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Quantitative Test, v2.0