Evaluation of dried blood spot specimens for HIV-1 drug-resistance testing using the Trugene HIV-1 genotyping assay.

Background: Efforts to simplify the collection and shipping of specimens for HIV drug-resistance testing in resource-limited settings are needed as antiretroviral therapy increases worldwide.

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and practicality of using dried blood spots (DBS) for HIV-1 drug-resistance testing with the Trugene HIV-1 genotyping assay.

Study Design: Nucleic acids from 33 DBS and counterpart plasma specimens were extracted using the Nuclisens MiniMAG system and genotyped using the Trugene HIV-1 genotyping assay.