Viral Hepatitis Diagnostic Laboratory

David Gretch, MD, PhD

This laboratory serves as a molecular diagnostic laboratory for the UW Medical Center and other regional medical facilities. The laboratory performs serologic assays to detect antibody to HCV and molecular assays to detect and quantify HCV RNA genomes.

Serologic tests for anti-HCV antibodies include enzyme immunoassays (EIA), which function as a screening test, and recombinant immunoblot assays (RIBA), which are used as supplemental tests. These serologic tests are directed toward antigens from the HCV core and nonstructural 3, 4, and 5 genes. Molecular assays are used to quantitate levels of HCV RNA in serum or tissues. Two types of assays are used:

• a branched-chain (bDNA) test, and
• a quantitative reverse-transcriptase (RT) PCR.

Detection of HCV RNA in patient tissues provides evidence of active HCV infection and can be useful for confirming diagnoses and for measuring responses to antiviral therapy.

Report courtesy of Anna Marie Beckmann

---

Recent Publications:

Gretch, D.R., dela Rosa, C., Corey, L. and Carithers, R.L. Jr. Assessment of hepatitis C viremia using molecular amplification technologies. Viral Hepatitis Rev. 2:85-96. (1996).

Gretch, D.R. Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C. Hepatology 26:43S-47S. (1997).