HCV RNA quantification was performed using an in-house quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay as previously described [9] , COBAS Amplicor HCV Monitor test TM , Version 2.0 (sensitivity 600 IU/ml)), qualitative COBAS Ampli-Prep/COBAS Amplicor HCV test TM , version 2.0 (sensitivity 50 IU/ml) or Abbott RealTime HCV assay TM (sensitivity 12 IU/ ml).