Dried blood spots versus plasma for the quantification of HIV-1 RNA using the manual (PCR-ELISA) amplicor monitor HIV-1 version 1.5 assay in Yaounde, Cameroon.
OBJECTIVE
Considering the recent accrued need for viral load quantification in resource-limited settings, this study evaluated the use of dried blood spots (DBS) compared to plasma as a means of sample collection and storage for HIV-1 RNA quantification using a non-automated assay.


METHODS
Venous blood was collected from 60 consenting HIV-1-positive patients, plasma separated within 4 hours, and stored at -20 degrees C. Venous blood, 50 microL, was blotted on 4 designated areas of Whatman filter paper and air-dried at room temperature for 2 hours.


RESULTS
There was a strong statistically significant correlation between HIV-1 RNA viral load using plasma and DBS (r = .955, P < .001). On average plasma viral loads were only slightly higher than DBS viral loads (mean difference: 0.06 log(10) copies/mL).


CONCLUSIONS
Even when using an entirely manual HIV-quantification assay, DBS may provide a reliable, cost-effective method for sample collection and storage for HIV-1 RNA quantification in resource-limited settings.
Ikomey
G M
GM
Center for the Study and Control of Communicable Diseases (CSCCD), Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon.
Atashili
J
J
Okomo-Assoumou
M C
MC
Mesembe
M
M
Ndumbe
P M
PM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001769:Blood / Q000821:virology; D002163:Cameroon; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010949:Plasma / Q000821:virology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods; D019562:Viral Load / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D012367:RNA, Viral