Sensitivity of a rapid immuno-chromatographic test for hepatitis C antibodies detection.
OBJECTIVE
Enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA) are the most widely used anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening tests but simple, instrument and electricity-free screening tests have been developed with results available in a few minutes.


METHODS
The sensitivity of a rapid immuno-chromatographic assay for the detection of anti-HCV antibodies was evaluated on 421 HCV RNA-positive samples from chronic carriers and compared with ELISA method.


RESULTS
The sensitivity of the ELISA method was 99.3% and the sensitivity of the rapid test was 95.5%. False negative results were independent of HCV genotype, but were associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive status. Among HIV-negative people, sensitivities of the rapid test and the EIA assay were 99.2% and 100%, respectively. Whereas among HIV-positive people, sensitivities were 77.5% and 96.3%.


CONCLUSIONS
The immuno-chromatographic test is rapid and simple, and could be used along with rapid anti-HIV determination, in settings with limited facilities or when rapid results are required.
Desbois
Delphine
D
AP-HP, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Laboratoire de Virologie, 12 Avenue Paul Vaillant-Couturier, Villejuif 94804, France.
Vaghefi
Parissa
P
Savary
Jeanine
J
Dussaix
Elisabeth
E
Roque-Afonso
Anne-Marie
AM
D000328:Adult; D002845:Chromatography / Q000379:methods*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic