FIG. 1.

Detection of HCV RNA in DBS from HCV-positive and -negative individuals. To control the risk of cross-contamination in using DBS for HCV RNA detection, DBS strips were prepared with blood from 30 different patients that was expected to be positive (uneven lines) or negative (even lines). The strips were spotted to realize a lattice of alternately HCV RNA-positive and -negative samples. DBS strips were wrapped in their individual paper covers and stored together in the same plastic bag for 1 week at room temperature before the assay. Representative results obtained with RT-PCR are shown.