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Updated: Apr 5, 2026
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Real-Time PCR Assays for the Quantification of HCV RNA: Concordance, Discrepancies and Implications for Response
Robert Strassl1, Karoline Rutter2, Albert Friedrich Stättermayer2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Background And Aims:
Monitoring of chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) treatment relies on HCV RNA quantification by means of real-time PCR methods. Assay specific analytical sensitivities may impact therapy management.
Methods:
Comparative analysis between three commercial assays (Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan Version 1 (CAP/CTM Ver. 1), Version 2 (CAP/CTM Ver. 2) and the Abbott RealTime HCV (ART) assay) was performed on 247 available samples taken at key decision time points during antiviral therapy of 105 genotype 1 patients (triple therapy: n = 70; dual therapy: n = 35).
Results:
Overall concordance of HCV RNA measurements was high between the two Roche systems (89%; n = 220/247) but lower between the Roche assays and the ART (CAP/CTM Ver. 1 vs ART: 77.3%; n = 191/247 and CAP/CTM v.2 vs ART: 80.1%; n = 198/247). Most discrepancies were noted in week 4/8 samples with residual viremia (
Conclusion:
An abbreviated course of treatment can safely be applied in patients with residual viremia (
