PCR for HBV, HCV and HIV-1 experiences and first results from a routine screening programme in a large blood transfusion service.

We adapted the PCR method to screen up to 3000 blood donations per day for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV-1 virus contamination. Up to 600 aliquots (average 418 donations) are pooled by using an automatic sample processor with disposable tips (validated to avoid contamination) taken from blood donations which are serologically negative and free for clinical usage according to federal regulations. In the case of a positive PCR pool result the viraemic donation is identified by two additional PCR pools testing steps with smaller pool sizes.

[Routine PCR screening for HBV, HCV and HIV-I genome in a large blood donation services--experiences and initial results].

We adapted the PCR method to screen up to 3,000 blood donations per day for HBV, HCV, and HIV-1 contamination. Concerning logistics: The first step is the generation of 3 identical microtiter plates (PT) by using the self-validated automatic sample processor with disposable tips. Using the first PT, we pooled up to 600 aliquots taken from blood donations which are serological negative and free for clinical usage according to actual federal regulations.

[Sensitivity studies on the demonstration of HIV-1 particles using RT HIV-1 PCR in pooled plasma before virus inactivation].

The goal of this study was the establishment of a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and the evaluation of its sensitivity to detect an HIV-1 contamination in pooled plasma samples prior to the solvent-detergent (SD) inactivation procedure. Pooled plasma samples were spiked with known concentrations (1,000-0.1 TCID50/ml) of HIV-1, originated from tissue culture supernatants.

Relevance of hepatitis B DNA detection in patient's serum.

Detection of HBV-DNA showed a satisfactory sensitivity (6 pg/ml) and high specificity: 15 patients with hepatitis A, 6 with CMV, 7 with EBV infection, 81 with hepatitis NANB as well as 174 persons with isolated HBc antibodies and 9 hepatitis B vaccinees gave negative results. However, out of 118 persons with a history of hepatitis B (HBs and HBc antibodies positive), one repeatedly had a positive result. We followed 58 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 25 healthy antigen carries, and 16 HBV-infected dialysis patients over an extended period with multiple blood sampling.