HIV-1, HCV and HBV seronegative window reduction by the new Roche cobas TaqScreen MPX test in seroconverting donors.

Background: By shortening the pre-seroconversion window in the viral screening of donated blood, nucleic acid amplification testing greatly improves safety and efficiency, particularly when combined with multiple target detection and maximal automation.

Objectives: Evaluation of seronegative window reduction during HIV-1, HCV and HBV infection by the novel cobas TaqScreen MPX test for simultaneous nucleic acid detection of HIV-1 (groups M and O), HIV-2, HCV and HBV using the cobas s 201 system.

Study Design: Testing of HIV-1, HCV, and HBV seroconversion panels (20 each) using the cobas TaqScreen MPX test versus reference immuno- and nucleic acid technology assays.