Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
Brief Description
HCV Antibody Testing
HCV RNA Confirmatory Testing
Laboratory Unit
Virology
Immunology
Methodology
Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
Real-time transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)
Specimen Collection
2.5ml minimum volume
- Serum (Preferred sample) – Serum separator tube. If using a red top tube, transfer serum into secondary container.
Or - Plasma – ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) – Transfer plasma into secondary container.
SPECIMEN – Must be centrifuged within 6 hours of collection.
Storage/Transport
- Specimens should be shipped to the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory as soon as possible.
- Samples must kept cool and be received within 5 days of collection.
- Immediately store the specimen at refrigerator temperature (2-8oC) pending shipment.
- Ship specimen refrigerated on a frozen refrigerant pack to keep cool.
- If samples will exceed the 5 days from collection time, the serum/plasma must be transferred to a secondary container then frozen and shipped on dry ice.
Acceptable Specimen Type(s)
Serum
Plasma
Test Request Form(s)
Possible Results
HCV Antibody: Reactive/Non-Reactive
HCV RNA: Detected/Not Detected
Unacceptable Conditions
- Hemolyzed
- Lipemic
- No name on specimen
- Improper storage/transport of specimen
Interfering Substances
Biotin concentrations greater than 100 ng/mL
Result Reported
HCV antibody screen – Day of receipt
HCV RNA – 1-4 days after receipt (performed weekly)
Fees
N/A
CPT Codes
HCV Antibody: 86803
HCV RNA: 87522
LOINC/SNOMED Codes
HCV Antibody: 13955-0
HCV RNA: 11259-9