Sensitivity of four HIV-1 specific primer sets selected for the real-time PCR array in testing with FDA/CBER analytical HIV-1 broad spectrum panel.

FDA/CBER HIV-1 RNA panel consisted of different concentrations of HIV-1 group M isolates (subtypes A–G, 1 isolate per subtype), one group O, one group N and two CRF (circulating recombinant form) isolates.1Detection limit (copy number/ml of plasma) was evaluated using FDA/CBER analytical panel, containing pre-set copy number of HIV-1 spiked into 1 ml of “normal” human plasma. RNA from 1 ml of plasma was converted to cDNA and divided into eight PCR reactions; two PCR repeats were performed for each primer set. The estimated copy number per PCR reaction is shown in parentheses.2Double Tm peak was always registered for this primer set with any tested HIV-1 isolates. N/P – no PCR product was detected.