The American University in Cairo
are working on a test to detect HCV RNA in a single reaction without amplifying
the RNA first. Using gold nanoparticles . Gold particles have an unusual
optical property known as surface plasmon resonance. When particles are
distributed evenly in liquid they reflect light in a way that makes them appear
red. When they clump together they appear blue. Patient serum and Short pieces
of DNA designed to match the HCV RNA is added to solution the Gold
nanoparticles added. If HCV RNA is present the DNA pieces will bind with it.
And the gold particles will clump together appearing blue. If the HCV RNA is
not present then the DNA pieces will bind to the Gold particles preventing them
from clumping resulting in the solution turning red. The test cost about 1/7
the cost of the current HCV RNA test and only takes about 30 minutes.
With the increasing number of
diagnostic technologies the CDC has begun discussion with the world health
organization about collaborating to create standards to ensure that results of
different test can be compared. In developed countries like the US the overall prevalence mass
screening is not cost effective. The current CDC guidelines were developed in
the late 1990’s recommend testing those known to have been at risk of exposure
to the virus. But a lot of the people who contracted the virus several decades
ago don’t realize they are at risk and do not come forward to be tested
In the united states 1 in 33 baby
boomers might be infected according to a model designed by Lisa McGarry of i3
Innovus part of health care information technology company Ingenix.
With this in mind the CDC may
release recommendations in the guidelines for age
based screening.
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