Rapid low-cost detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in HCV-infected patients by real-time RT-PCR using SYBR Green I.

Background: We intend to design and validate a low-cost assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA using rapid-cycle RT-PCR. The procedure is performed in a closed system with little risk of contamination allowing PCR and product identification to be performed within one or two hours.

Methods: A SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR for rapid detection of HCV.