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The duration of fixation influences the yield of HCV cDNA-PCR products from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver tissue.

Author(s): Bresters D, Schipper ME, Reesink HW, Boeser-Nunnink BD, Cuypers HT

Publication: J Virol Methods, 1994, Vol. 48, Page 267-72

PubMed ID: 7989443 PubMed Review Paper? No

Purpose of Paper

Conclusion of Paper

Studies

1. Study Purpose

   The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of formalin-fixation duration on RNA detection by RT-PCR in HCV positive hepatocellular carcinomas.

   Summary of Findings:

   Formalin fixation of liver biopsies for up to 24 h did not affect the ability to detect HCV and albumin transcripts by RT-PCR. In specimens fixed for 2 days, 100 times more template was necessary in order to detect HCV or albumin. When specimens were fixed for 3 days to 1 week, 1000 times more template was necessary and in specimens fixed for 2-4 weeks, 10,000 times more template was necessary. The authors report the rate of detection failure was similar between HCV and albumin transcripts. In conclusion, formalin-fixed specimens may be used for amplification of HCV RNA, but to prevent detection failure, specimens should be fixed for no longer than 24 h.

   Biospecimens

   • Tissue - Liver

   Preservative Types

   • Formalin
   • Frozen

   Diagnoses:

   • Hepatitis
   • Neoplastic - Carcinoma

   Platform:

   Analyte	Technology Platform
   RNA	RT-PCR

   Pre-analytical Factors:

   Classification	Pre-analytical Factor	Value(s)
   Biospecimen Preservation	Type of fixation/preservation	Formalin (buffered) Frozen
   Biospecimen Preservation	Time in fixative	0 h 8 h 16 h 24 h 2 days 3 days 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks 4 weeks
   RT-PCR Specific	Targeted nucleic acid	Albumin Hepatitis C virus

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