Recombinant ImmunoBlot Assay (RIBA) was a confirmatory test for a reactive HCV antibody. RIBA utilized four recombinant HCV-encoded antigens, which are immobilized as individual bands on test strips. The strips were incubated with patient serum, and if present, antibodies to HCV bound to the corresponding antigen bands on the strip.
A positive result indicated past or current hepatitis C infection. This test was not useful for detection of early acute hepatitis C infection or for differentiation between resolved and chronic hepatitis C infections.
The FDA announced the discontinuation of the Chiron RIBA HCV 3.0 assay in February 2013. Samples with positive HCV antibody results are now reflexed to HCV PCR.
Reference
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Testing for HCV Infection: An Update of Guidance for Clinicians and Laboratorians, Morbid Mortal Wkly Report, 2013;62(18)362-365.
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