[HCV RNA assessment by PCR technique for screening post-transfusion HCV infection among blood donors].
OBJECTIVE
To survey the application of PCR for screening HCV RNA from blood donations within the window period.


METHODS
According to a standardized method, 12 blood banks organized by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories collected and prepared about ten thousands specimens. The specimens were tested with two different kits.


RESULTS
Among the 7173 specimens A group, 21 were PCR positive for HCV RNA. The positive rate was 0.29%. There were not positive for HCV RNA among 7477 specimens (B group).


CONCLUSIONS
It is feasible to use the PCR screening for the detection of HCV RNA of blood donations but is unnecessary to standardize the specimen collection and the kit selection.
National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, China.
Wenge
W
Xing
Hongyi
H
Xu
Rong
R
Ma
Huaijing
H
Zheng
D001782:Blood Donors; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*
D012367:RNA, Viral