Pooling samples for hepatitis C RNA detection

Despite the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on elimination hepatitis C virus (HCV), use mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 might represent a glimmer opportunity to increase HCV diagnostic capacities. Processing tests has created an enormous workload laboratories worldwide and resulted in decreased processing many other tests, such as those infection. Diagnosis active infection is necessary first step set by WHO key target reach elimination. We propose strategy overcome this challenge contribute increasing capacity clinical laboratories. In countries, sample pooling strategies have already been used molecular screening RNA blood banks transfusion centres.1Roth WK Busch MP Schuller A et al.International survey NAT donations: expanding implementation yield from 1999 2009.Vox Sang. 2012; 102: 82-90Crossref PubMed Scopus (134) Google Scholar The samples diagnosis only cases positive results doing individual analysis was introduced Dorfman 1943,2Dorfman R detection defective numbers large populations.Ann Math Stat. 1943; 14: 436-440Crossref shown its usefulness different infectious agents, including SARS-CoV-2.3de Salazar Aguilera Trastoy al.Sample RT-PCR screening.Clin Microbiol Infect. 2020; 26: 1687.e1-1687.e5Summary Full Text PDF (28) Here, we present proof concept that allow identification patients with chronic excellent sensitivity performance. tested two commercially available tools (CAP CTM v2.0 COBAS 6800 system, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) determine their through ability detect one within number pooled (ranging 10 1 000 samples). Both were able identify when up (appendix). Implementing capacities some challenges, which include determining pool size maintains maximum precision having appropriate laboratory technology grouping reporting results. Our show plausible Spain, estimated prevalence 0·22%,4Ministerio de SanidadConsumo y Bienestar SocialPrevalencia la infección por en población general España; 2017–18. Resultados del 2° Estudio Seroprevalencia España (2017–18).https://www.mscbs.gob.es/ciudadanos/enfLesiones/enfTransmisibles/sida/docs/INFORME_INFECCION_VHC_ESPANA2019.pdfDate: 2019Date accessed: March 21, 2021Google would be 100 samples. This allows single limit commercial assays, also core antigen (2000 international units per mL).5Aguilera Alados JC Alonso Eiros JM García F Current position viral load versus testing.Enferm Infecc Clin (Engl Ed). 38: 12-18Crossref (3) Given current market prices, price could €0·30 100. Consequently, substantially improving cost-effectiveness, enables provides sustainability scale testing, universal or age-based screening. summary, numerous advantages can implemented scaled aim eliminating public health threat 2030. FG received grants contracts ViiV Healthcare, Merck, Gilead, AbbVie, Seegene, Roche, Werfen; payment honoraria lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, educational events, support attending meetings, travel Qiagen, Hologic, Werfen. All authors declare no competing interests. Download .pdf (.09 MB) Help pdf files Supplementary appendix Eliminating era: weighing opportunityWorld Hepatitis Day—July 28—offers timely turn spotlight towards global efforts address hepatitis. Worldwide, viruses are responsible 1·34 million deaths year , disproportionate disease burden low-income middle-income countries (LMICs). ambitious goal major 2030 faces obstacles, yet none more significant than posed pandemic. Full-Text