Use of digoxigenin-labelled probes for the detection of B19 parvovirus DNA in batches of blood products.

Being thermostable and non lipid-enveloped, the B19 parvovirus cannot be destroyed by the chemical and physical treatments presently used to inactivate lipid-enveloped viruses such as HIV, hepatitis C and B viruses in plasma derivatives. A polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect B19 parvovirus DNA. Amplified products were detected through a non-radioactive technology based on the use of a digoxigenin-labelled probe. B19 parvovirus DNA was detected in 20% of the studied batches of factor coagulation concentrates and in none of the albumin batches.