A Rapid PCR-based Assay for Detecting Hepatitis B Viral DNA Using GenSpector TMC-1000

A rapid PCR-based assay for detecting hepatitis B viral DNA(HBV DNA) in serum and plasma was developed using a new PCR instrument named GenSpector(TMC-1000, Samsung electronics). PCR was carried out using a chip-based platform, which enabled 50 PCR cycles with internal controls, and melting-curve analysis in 30 minutes. Verification of the amplified HBV DNA product and the internal control was based on specific melting temperatures(Tm) analysis, executed by the GenSpector software. Primers were designed within the region conserved through HBV genotypes A to F. The lower limit of detection was 840 copies/ml serum, conducted with serial dilutions of a HBV DNA positive control(ACCURUN 325 series 700, Boston Biomedica Inc.). The assay was also compared to another assay for HBV DNA(Versant HBV DNA 3.0 assay, Bayer HealthCare) for 200 samples(each 100 clinical negative and positive samples). The sensitivity and specificity were 100% matched. This rapid PCR-based assay is specific, reproducible, and enables qualitative detection of HBV DNA.