Evaluation of in-house genotyping assay performance using dried blood spot specimens in the Global World Health Organization laboratory network

Clin Infect Dis. 2012 May;54 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):S273-9. doi: 10.1093/cid/cir982.

Abstract

In resource-limited settings, there is increased demand for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 drug resistance testing. Because preservation of plasma specimens is often not feasible in resource-limited settings, use of dried blood spots (DBSs) is being adopted. We used 2 panels of DBSs for genotyping assay validation and proficiency testing in selected laboratories in the World Health Organization laboratory network in 14 countries. An amplification sensitivity of 1000 copies/mL was achieved by 2 laboratories. Reproducibility and accuracy of nucleotide sequence determination and resistance-associated mutation identification from DBSs was similar to that previously determined for plasma. International shipping at ambient temperature had no significant effect on amplification success. These studies indicate that DBS-based genotyping is equally reproducible and reliable, although slightly less sensitive, compared with plasma.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dried Blood Spot Testing / methods*
  • Dried Blood Spot Testing / standards
  • Drug Resistance, Viral / genetics
  • Genotype
  • Genotyping Techniques / methods*
  • Genotyping Techniques / standards
  • HIV Infections / blood*
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Laboratories
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Temperature
  • Viral Load / methods
  • Viral Load / standards
  • World Health Organization