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. 1997 Dec;35(12):3298–3300. doi: 10.1128/jcm.35.12.3298-3300.1997

GEMHEP multicenter quality control study of PCR detection of GB virus C/hepatitis G virus RNA in serum.

M Bogard 1, C Buffet-Janvresse 1, J F Cantaloube 1, P Biagini 1, G Duverlie 1, S Castelain 1, J Izopet 1, M Dubois 1, C Defer 1, I Lepot 1, J Coste 1, P Marcellin 1, M Martinot-Peignoux 1, P Halfon 1, V Gerolami 1, L Frangeul 1, J M Pawlotsky 1, F Roudot-Thoraval 1, E Dussaix 1, P Loiseau 1, N Ravera 1, P Lewin 1, J Lamoril 1, J Lerable 1, P Lebon 1
PMCID: PMC230166  PMID: 9399538

Abstract

PCR is, to date, the only available tool for the detection of GB virus C (GBV-C) and hepatitis G virus (HGV) RNAs. Twenty-two French laboratories participated in a quality control study to assess the sensitivity and specificity of their procedures. The panel included 13 positive controls and 7 negative controls. The laboratories used either in-house PCR techniques adapted from the literature or partly standardized commercial tests. Three laboratories performed faultlessly with the entire panel. Most laboratories had excellent specificity (100% in 20 of 22 laboratories). Sensitivity was acceptable (85 to 100%) in 15 centers and insufficient (38 to 77%) in 7. As with nonstandardized in-house PCR, the commercial assays gave discrepant performances in different laboratories. These results suggest that laboratories willing to use PCR for detection of GBV-C/HGV RNA for research or diagnostic purposes should participate in multicenter quality control trials.

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Selected References

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