Substitution of a commercially available, RNA extraction procedure in an HIV-1 genotyping system improves sensitivity and allows reduced sample volume

The use is described of a commercially available, silica-based extraction p rocedure for HIV-1 RNA that can be substituted for the extraction procedure supplied with a commercially available, PCR-based genotyping kit for HIV-1 . The advantages of using this alternative. commercially available extracti on procedure include the following: (1) reduced safety concerns, due to ina ctivation of virus in the initial step of the extraction procedure: (2) enh anced sensitivity, allowing the use of plasma with HIV-I RNA levels of less than 2000 copies/ml; (3) improved yield, allowing a 60% reduction in plasm a volume: and (4) convenience and improved reproducibility. with a single e xtraction providing RNA suitable for PCR-based sequencing and for quantitat ion of HIV-1 RNA levels. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .