HCV RNA assessment by PCR technique for screening post-transfusion HCV infection among blood donors / 中华肝脏病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To survey the application of PCR for screening HCV RNA from blood donations within the window period.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>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.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>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).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>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.</p>