TABLE 3.
Comparison of HCV RNA testing results of dilution (pooled) strategy relative to individual testing strategya
| Pooled testing result at indicated dilution | No. (%) of HCV RNA- positive/anti-HCV-negative specimens detected using individual testingb (n = 28) | Median (range) no. of days to seroconversion (IQR) | Kruskal-Wallis P value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:10 | |||
| RNA positive | 25 (89.3) | 53.0 (43.3-78.3) | 1.0 |
| RNA negative | 3 (10.7) | 45.5 (45.5-98.0) | |
| 1:100 | |||
| RNA positive | 19 (67.9) | 47.8 (42.0-65.0) | 0.07 |
| RNA negative | 9 (32.1) | 77.0 (45.5-101.5) |
a
Based on 28 RNA-positive, anti-HCV-negative specimens from screening and follow-up of young IDU cohort (see Materials and Methods) (23).
b
Includes one individual who was confirmed to be HCV positive but who did not develop anti-HCV, possibly in association with HIV coinfection.