Comparative evaluation of the Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor™ Ultrasensitive Test, the new Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor™ Ultrasensitive Test and the Versant HIV RNA 3.0 assays for quantitation of HIV-1 RNA in plasma samples

All three assays showed comparable results. The bDNA provides a high sample throughput without the need of full automation. The new CAP/CA provides reliable test results with no HIV-subtype specific influence and releases time for other works in the laboratory; thus it is suitable for routine diagnostic PCR.