Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1374 page)

   Lacks sensitivity in early detection. HCV antigen has similar sensitivity in infection with all genotypes of HCV.

HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) GENOTYPING ASSAY

   Definition

   The HCV genotyping assay identifies HCV genotypes 1–6 in human serum or EDTA plasma samples. Availability of subtype information depends on the method used for testing. The methods may differ in their ability to genotype samples with low viral load or mixed infection.

   
Normal range:
Negative.

   Use

   Methods:

   Invader (Third Wave)

   True Gene (Bayer)

   LiPA (Innogenetics)

   TaqMan (Abbot Diagnostics)

   “Home brew” sequencing

   The HCV genotyping assay should be used in the management of HCV-infected individuals undergoing antiviral therapy

   Limitations