Successful HCV genotyping of previously failed and low viral load specimens using an HCV RNA qualitative assay based on transcription-mediated amplification in conjunction with the line probe assay.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping is a critical part of the diagnostic work-up for chronic hepatitis C. The VERSANT HCV line probe assay (LiPA) marketed by Bayer Corporation requires PCR-derived amplicons for genotyping usually obtained from commercial assays, including Amplicor HCV 2.0 (Amplicor 2.