Rapid detection of hepatitis C virus RNA by direct capture from blood

A new diagnostic assay for hepatitis C virus RNA detection is described. HCV genomic RNA is captured onto streptavidin-coated magnetic beads by solution hybridization with biotinylated complementary oligonucleotides. The specificity of the capture assay is confirmed using different capture oligonucleotides as well as sera representing different types of HCV. Sensitivity was determined by testing serial dilutions of a HCV infected plasma. A panel of 50 sera was tested for anti-HCV by a Line Immunoassay and for HCV-RNA by both a conventional guanidinium extraction method and the new capture assay. The specificity of the capture assay was 95.8% and the sensitivity was 92.3% compared to the standard protocol. This method provides a rapid and simple alternative for HCV-RNA detection in blood samples.