title: Performance of the automated COBAS AMPLICOR system for the detection of hepatitis C virus RNA.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The COBAS AMPLICOR (CA) instrument for the amplification and detection steps of the AMPLICOR molecular diagnostic assays has recently been introduced. The system contains a single thermal cycler with two independently controlled heating/cooling blocks, a pipettor, a magnetic particle washer, a photometer and an incubator.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The performance of the CA instrument was evaluated in a routine diagnostic laboratory for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA. The new system was compared with the corresponding microwell plate assay (AMPLICOR HCV Test).
  
  
  METHODS
  Routine clinical sera (350) from hemodialysis patients and patients with chronic HCV infection and interferon therapy were studied. If discrepant results were obtained, both assays were repeated (specimen preparation, amplification and detection); in addition, the HCV copy number was determined with the AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR Test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a correlation between the CA HCV Test and the AMPLICOR HCV Test in 341 of 350 specimens (97%). After resolution of 9 discrepant results, the CA HCV Test gave a sensitivity of 97.8% and a specificity of 99.4%. The most common reason for discrepant results was a low HCV RNA copy number.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CA system was found to be a labor-saving, fast and reliable instrument for the amplification and detection steps of a RT-PCR molecular assay for detection of HCV RNA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hygiene, KF-University Graz, Australia. harald.kessler@kfunigraz.ac.at
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Kessler
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Dragon
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pierer
authors.forename: B I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Santner
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stünzner
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stelzl
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marth
mesh_terms: D018178:Flaviviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood* / Q000235:genetics; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D012367:RNA, Viral