The Department of Microbiology, Clinical Center of Banja Luka, was introduced, in February, 2008, into the regular work, PCR diagnostic procedure; diagnostic of hepatitis B and C and so far we are the only one health facility in the Republic of Serbian dealing with this diagnosis.

So far we have processed about 1,700 samples. Right now we do qualitative and quantitative test for HCV, and HCV genotyping, as well as a quantitative test for HBV. We sincerely hope that we will extend the range of future tests because the device offers a number of possibilities.
The reliability of results as well as other tests depends on the appropriate way of sampling, transport, storage, processing a sample and good laboratory techniques involved in the test.

We would like to recall of the procedure of taking, storing and transport of samples for PCR diagnosis.
COBAS AMPLICOR tests for hepatitis viruses B and C are used only with samples of serum or EDTA plasma.
Blood must be taken into test tubes with EDTA (purple plug), into the tubes for separation of serum without addition (red stopper or in the tubes with ACD (yellow plug).
Samples containing heparin as an anticoagulant are not suitable for these tests because heparin inhibits the PCR.

To test the blood of HCV and HBV, full blood can be kept at a temperature of 2-25 ° C, not longer than 6 hours. Serum or plasma must be separated within 6 hours after intake, 20 minutes centrifugation at 1500 xg at room temperature. Serum or plasma is transferred to sterile polypropylene tubes of 1.5 ml with screw cap in the amount of 250-300μl.
Full blood can be transported at a temperature of 2-25 ° and processed within 6 hours after intake. Serum or plasma can be transported at a temperature of 2-8 ° C or frozen at – 20 ° C to -80 ° C. Plasma or serum samples can be stored in a temp. of 2-8 ° C up to 72 hours or frozen at – 70 ° C or lower for HCV, while the serum or plasma samples for HBV can be stored at room temperature for 3 days at 2-8 ° C 7 days or frozen at -20 to – 80 ° C.
Full blood, serum or plasma must be transported in accordance with the regulations on transport of infectious materials.