Fully automated rapid quantification of Hepatitis C Virus RNA in human plasma and serum by integrated on-chip RT-qPCR and capillary electrophoresis.

The quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is essential for the management of chronic hepatitis C therapy. We have developed a fully automated microfluidic RT-qPCR system for rapid quantitative detection of HCV RNA in human EDTA-plasma and serum, and the performance of the method was assessed. The platform for the assay, µTASWako g1 Fully Automated Genetic Analyzer, performs automated sample preparation and RNA extraction, followed by amplification and detection on an integrated RT-qPCR-CE (capillary electrophoresis (CE)) microfluidic chip. The total assay time from sample input to data output is less than 120 minutes. The HCV assay has a linear quantitative range of 15 to 10 ⁷ IU/mL, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10.65 IU/mL in EDTA-plasma and 12.43 IU/mL in serum. The assay has a reproducibility of SD ≤ 0.16 log ₁₀ IU/mL and an accuracy of ≤ 0.22 log ₁₀ IU/mL difference when compared to the assigned values. The main HCV genotypes 1 to 6 are detected with an accuracy of ± 0.3 log ₁₀ IU/mL. The assay is specific for HCV RNA and is free of interference from non-HCV pathogens, elevated levels of anti-viral and anti-bacterial drugs, and common endogenous interferents. In the linear quantitative range, the assay is highly correlated with the Roche cobas AmpliPrep/cobas TaqMan HCV Test, version 2.0 (r ²  = 0.949). As the assay is highly sensitive, accurate and specific, and provides reliable quantification of HCV in plasma and serum, it can potentially be applicable for monitoring the therapy and management of HCV infection.