Evaluation of the analytical performance of the new Abbott RealTime RT-PCRs for the quantitative detection of HCV and HIV-1 RNA

SummaryBackgroundDespite FDA approval and CE marking of commercial tests, manufacturer independent testing of technical aspects is important.ObjectivesTo evaluate the analytical performance of the new Abbott RealTime HCV and HIV-1 viral load tests.Study designSensitivity, specificity and inter-/intra-assay variation were investigated. The HCV and HIV-1 assays were compared with Siemens bDNA 3.0 and Roche Cobas Monitor 2.0, respectively, on diagnostic samples.ResultsLower isolation volumes on the M1000 gave minor but statistically significant lower quantitative values. Minor differences were observed in the lower limit of detection relative to the specification given by the manufacturer. Inter-/intra-assay coefficients of variations ranged from 0.31 to 4.75 between 5.0 × 104 and 5.0 × 102 copies/mL. Both the HCV and HIV-1 Abbott RealTime tests did not show a geno-/sub-type dependent under-quantification on WHO reference panels, quality control panels or clinical specimens. The Abbott RealTime HIV-1 viral load assay detected subtype O whereas several other systems failed to detect this subtype.ConclusionThe technical aspects of the HCV and HIV-1 RealTime viral load assays on the M2000 system make it attractive for use in routine diagnostic settings.