Intra-assay performance characteristics of five assays for quantification of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA in plasma

Three kits (Roche AMPLICOR human immunodeficiency virus type 1 [HIV-1] Monitor, Chiron enhanced-sensitivity bDNA, and Organon Teknika NASBA HIV-1 QT) and two in-house assays (from National Genetics Institute and Baylor College of Medicine) were compared with a blinded panel. The results were evaluated as to intra-assay sensitivity, precision, and ability to detect differences in a dilution series.