West Nile Virus (WNV), UltraQual® RT-PCR

Detect West Nile virus (WNV) RNA.

• Mean detection: 7.43 copies/mL

• 95% detection cutoff: 28.16 copies/mL

The direct detection of WNV is a valuable tool in determining whether a patient is infected with West Nile virus. It is also useful in determining whether blood and blood products are free of detectable WNV prior to distribution. PCR is able to detect WNV RNA directly and does not rely on antibody markers of WNV infection, which are produced after RNA is detectable in newly infected individuals.

Chomczynski P, Sacchi N. Single-step method of RNA isolation by acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction. Anal Biochem. 1987 Apr; 162(1):156-159. PubMed 2440339

Kawasaki ES. Amplification of RNA. In Innis MA, Gelfand DH, Sninsky JJ, White TJ, eds. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. San Diego, Calif: Academic Press;1990:21-28.