Comparative quantitative analysis of hepatitis C mutations at amino acids 70 and 91 in the core region by the Q-Invader assay

► A highly sensitive method based on the Q-Invader technology was developed. ► The assay specifically detects mutations at aa 70/91 in the HCV-1b core region. ► The relative ratios of the minor variant were detected in 1% of total. ► All of the mutations that were detected by direct sequencing were also detected. ► The minor variants found by this assay were confirmed by PCR with specific primers.