BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide causing major human chronic pathology. Viral RNA can be detected 1-3 weeks after infection and in cases where HCV RNA is still detectable after 6 months, the patient is considered to be chronically infected. Early detection is crucial in preventing loss of treatment opportunities. METHODS: Here, we present an in-house real time PCR TaqMan probe based screening method for the detection and quantification of the six recognized HCV genotypes and evaluate its efficiency with the use of quality control for molecular diagnostics HCV quantification panels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The quantification method presented performed well with all quality control panels and is therefore an attractive approach for the clinical setting.
BACKGROUND:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide causing major human chronic pathology. Viral RNA can be detected 1-3 weeks after infection and in cases where HCV RNA is still detectable after 6 months, the patient is considered to be chronically infected. Early detection is crucial in preventing loss of treatment opportunities. METHODS: Here, we present an in-house real time PCR TaqMan probe based screening method for the detection and quantification of the six recognized HCV genotypes and evaluate its efficiency with the use of quality control for molecular diagnostics HCV quantification panels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The quantification method presented performed well with all quality control panels and is therefore an attractive approach for the clinical setting.