Ultrasensitive Quantitative PCR to Detect RNA Viruses

The use of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect RNA viruses has become increasingly important as a prognostic marker and in patient management, for example, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Drug therapies can be monitored by regularly checking viral load, indicating whether the regime is sufficient, or whether alternatives should be sought. It is therefore crucial that the systems used are ultrasensitive and give accurate and reproducible results.