To As of July 2002, the upper limit of the linear range for quantitation of HCV RNA with the COBAS AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR Test v2.0 was lowered from 850,000 IU/ml to 500,000 IU/ml. If a quantitative result is requested for a sample with >500,000 IU/ml, the sample is diluted 1:100 with negative human plasma and repeated. The test result is multiplied by 100 to obtain the titer of the sample.

Previously reported results >500,000 IU/ml and <850,000 IU/ml may be retested (upon request) if there is sufficient stored sample at -70°C. Due to inherent variability of the assay, replicate results may vary by ±3-fold. Retest results >3 fold higher than the original results suggest the original result was under quantified.

Questions regarding molecular HCV RNA testing should be directed to Dr. Gary Doern (356-8616) or Beth Alden (384-9568).