HCV RNA Testing of Plasma Samples from Cornea Donors: Suitability of Plasma Samples Stored at 4 degrees C for up to 8 Days

Berger, Annemarie; Salla, Sabine; Keppler, Oliver T. and Rabenau, Holger F. (2017): HCV RNA Testing of Plasma Samples from Cornea Donors: Suitability of Plasma Samples Stored at 4 degrees C for up to 8 Days. In: Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy, Vol. 44, No. 1: pp. 39-44

Abstract

Background: The HCV RNA testing of potential cornea donors frequently relies on blood samples stored pre mortem. The recommended storage time of maximum 72 h frequently excludes a significant fraction of donors. Methods: The influence of storage time of EDTA plasma samples at 4 degrees C on the viral load measured with the Roche HCV Quantitative Test vs. 2.0 was evaluated for 43 samples from HCV-positive individuals. Results: The mean reduction of the viral load after 4 degrees C storage for 6-8 days was 0.46 log(10) IU/ml (range +0.17 to -1.66 log(10) IU/ml). After 1-3 days a mean loss of 0.19 log(10) IU/ml (range +0.30 to -1.41 log(10) IU/ml) and after 3-5 days of 0.32 log(10) IU/ml (range +0.36 to -1.81 log10 IU/ml) was observed. In 23.3% of samples, a viral load reduction 1 log(10) IU/ml (1.0-1.81 log(10) UI/ml) was found after prolonged storage (5-8 days). In none of the samples did the HCV load fall below the detection limit. Conclusion: Plasma storage for up to 8 days can quantitatively reduce the HCV RNA load, yet has no influence on the reliability of a qualitative HCV RNA detection by this ultra sensitive test to determine the HCV status of serologically negative cornea donors. (C) 2016 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1660-3796
• Language: English