EVALUATION OF THE AUTOMATED COBAS AMPLICOR HEPATITIS-C VIRUS PCR SYSTEM

To evaluate the reliability and feasibility of the automated Roche COB AS AMPLICOR PCR system for routine detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV ) RNA, a total of 405 serum samples previously tested by an in-house n ested PCR and manual Roche AMPLICOR microwell plate HCV test were exam ined. Complete concordance was found between the results with the HCV COBAS AMPLICOR system and the previously determined HCV RNA status. Th e automated HCV COBAS AMPLICOR system provides the clinical microbiolo gy laboratory with a specific and sensitive PCR method for rapid and r eliable detection of HCV RNA.