title: Evaluation of blood collection filter papers for HIV-1 DNA PCR.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The collection of dried blood spots (DBS) on Whatman 903 cards has facilitated for years the detection of HIV-1 in infants by DNA PCR as early as 4-6 weeks after birth in resource-limited settings (RLS), but alternate blood collection devices are proving to be necessary.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The qualitative detection of HIV-1 DNA by PCR from DBS prepared on three commercially available blood collection cards was evaluated at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in four laboratories in Africa.
  
  
  METHODS
  DBS were prepared on Ahlstrom grade 226, Munktell TFN and Whatman 903, and stored under a variety of conditions. DBS were stored at ambient temperature (RT), 37°C with high humidity, and -20°C for varying lengths of time. The presence of HIV-1 DNA was tested using Roche Amplicor HIV-1 DNA (v 1.5) weekly for 4 weeks and at weeks 8 and 12 (RT and 37°C), at weeks 4, 8, and 18 (-20°C) of storage. DBS specimens were also tested after international shipment at RT. In addition, after nearly 3 years storage at -20°C, DBS were also evaluated independently using the COBAS Ampliprep/TaqMan HIV-1 Qual and Abbott RealTime HIV-1 Qualitative tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  HIV-1 DNA was detected equally well on the three blood collection cards regardless of storage conditions and PCR assay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ahlstrom 226 and Munktell TFN papers were comparable to Whatman 903 for HIV-1 DNA detection and may be considered as optional blood collection devices in resource-limited countries.
authors: International Laboratory Branch, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA.
authors: Silvina
authors: S
authors: Masciotra
authors: Samoel
authors: S
authors: Khamadi
authors: Ebi
authors: E
authors: Bilé
authors: Adrian
authors: A
authors: Puren
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Fonjungo
authors: Shon
authors: S
authors: Nguyen
authors: Mulu
authors: M
authors: Girma
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Downing
authors: Artur
authors: A
authors: Ramos
authors: Shambavi
authors: S
authors: Subbarao
authors: Dennis
authors: D
authors: Ellenberger
mesh_terms: D000349:Africa; D001769:Blood / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D003890:Desiccation; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D007223:Infant; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral