100 likes | 225 Views
Reducing Inhibition of RT-PCR in plasma samples from cadavers. SoGAT XIX, Bern, Switzerland 2006. Dr Simon Carne National Transfusion Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NTMRL) National Blood Service Colindale London NW9 5BG. Introduction.
E N D
Reducing Inhibition of RT-PCR in plasma samples from cadavers SoGAT XIX, Bern, Switzerland 2006 Dr Simon Carne National Transfusion Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NTMRL) National Blood Service Colindale London NW9 5BG
Introduction • Deceased (cadaveric) tissue donors require NAT screening • Previous NAT screening system used manual QIAGEN extraction with LC RT-PCR- Very low Inhibition rate (~5%) • QIAGEN MDx biorobot purchased, processes 96 samples in ~2hrs • Extensive validation performed with variety of plasma samples but not cadaveric- too scarce
Initial Strategies for reducing Inhibition • On advice from QIAGEN replaced MDx protease with more “robust” proteinase K • During validation & investigations on F/T cadaveric material inhibition, observed at 14% for HCV, 34% HIV • Freeze/thaw & Proteinase K introduced
Inhibition Reduction Strategies • Treatment with QIAGEN InhibitEX matrix • Treatment with QIAGEN RNEasy kit • Addition of polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP) to lysis buffer
Summary of Outcomes • QIAGEN InhibitEX matrix - some limited success - expensive and impractical • QIAGEN RNEasy kit - unsuccessful but results so unexpected further work needed • PVP addition -limited success - inexpensive BUT some concerns as 2 samples changed status from non-inhibitory to inhibitory
Overall Conclusions • No “magic wand” for overcoming inhibition in cadaveric samples • More robust NAT assay may be required • Some evidence that inhibition rates vary depending on referral centre - Inhibition-linked to retrieval and storage? • Pelleting of virus by ultracentrifugation may be means to tackle cadaveric sample inhibition
Acknowledgements Dr. Alan Kitchen Patricia Lowe Raksha Karia NTMRL National Blood Service, Colindale NW9 5BG London, United Kingdom