Hepatitis C test kit evaluations
Laboratory diagnosis of infection with the Hepatitis C virus is characterised by the detection of antibodies to HCV. Positive test results are usually confirmed with line immunoassays. It is recommended that all blood donations are tested for HCV.
The number of available HCV antibody tests, including simple/rapid tests has increased in recent years. Many of these tests are produced in countries with transient economies.
Composition of the panel
Test kits are evaluated against the WHO HCV reference panel of characterised serum/plasma specimens, collected from geographically diverse regions, seroconversion panels, low titre and world wide panels. The practical work is carried out by the WHO Collaborating Centre, Health Protection Agency, London, UK.
Field evaluations have been conducted for some of the assays. Different HCV sero- and genotypes have been identified and tests kits continue to improve to allow for detection of all HCV types.
Past evaluations
To date, 14 assays for the detection of antibody to HCV have been evaluated, including 5 ELISA tests and 9 simple/rapid tests.
Related documents
Related links
External web sites
Publications
-
Circonstances et modalités d’utilisation des tests d’infection récente pour estimer l’incidence de l’infection à HIV au niveau d’une population.
pdf, 2.39Mb -
When and how to use assays for recent infection to estimate HIV incidence at a population level
pdf, 2.24Mb -
HIV Rapid Assays: Operational Characteristics Report 16
pdf, 2.28Mb - View all documents
Key events
- WHO Prequalification of Medicines, Diagnostics and Vaccines: 6th Consultative Meeting with Stakeholders, 4-5 April 2011
- WHO Technical Working Group Meeting on CD 4 Technologies,17 -19 November 2009
- WHO Technical Working Group Meeting on Prequalification of HIV Virological Technologies, 21-23 September 2009
- View all events
