Dried blood spot for hepatitis C virus serology and molecular testing.
We investigated the performance of dried blood spots (DBS) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis using modified commercial tests. Paired DBS and serum samples were collected from 200 patients: 100 patients with anti-HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), including 62 patients with detectable serum HCV RNA, and 100 patients without anti-HCV. The DBS sample consisted of three drops of approximately 50 microL of whole blood applied to a paper card, which was then stored at -20 degrees C within 48 hours of collection. Using the Ortho HCV 3.0 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit on DBS, we observed both a specificity and sensitivity of 99% in detecting anti-HCV. HCV RNA was detected on DBS in 60/62 (97%) patients with detectable serum HCV RNA, which was then successfully quantified in 55 samples (89%) using the Cobas TaqMan HCV test. A good correlation was observed between the DBS HCV RNA concentration and the serum level (r(2) = 0.95; P < 0.001). HCV genotyping was successfully performed on DBS samples, with a full concordance between the 14 paired DBS and serum samples (genotypes 1-4).


CONCLUSIONS
This study presents DBS as a reliable alternative to serum specimens for detecting anti-HCV, quantifying HCV RNA and genotyping HCV. DBS may increase the opportunities for HCV testing and treatment follow-up in hard-to-reach individuals.
Tuaillon
Edouard
E
Virology Laboratory, Montpellier University Hospital, France.
Mondain
Anne-Marie
AM
Meroueh
Fadi
F
Ottomani
Laure
L
Picot
Marie-Christine
MC
Nagot
Nicolas
N
Van de Perre
Philippe
P
Ducos
Jacques
J
D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000379:methods; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral