Is HCV RNA detectable in the ultrafiltrate

We investigated by molecular biology the possibility that the HC virus passes by the dialysis membranes into the ultrafiltrate, making the HD monitor a way of HCV transmission. HCV-RNA was tested in blood and in UF samples during 2 HD sessions at T-0, 30, 60, 120 min and at HD end. HCV-RNA was measured by RT-PCR. Viraemia in patients was > 10(-4) gen Eq/ml and remained unchanged along HD, HCV-RNA was not found in whole UF and its x100 concentrates during the HD. We failed to prove the passage of the HCV into the UF, at least in standard conditions.