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

SPECIMEN – Must be centrifuged within 6 hours of collection.

  • 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.

Storage/Transport

HCV Antibody Testing

  • Plasma and Serum separated from the clot can be maintained at 2-8°C. Ship with freezer pillow(s) provided. Specimens must be received within seven (7) days of collection.
  • Plasma and Serum separated from the clot can be stored at -20°C or below and shipped with dry ice.

HCV RNA Confirmatory Testing - Must be centrifuged within 6 hours of collection.

  • Plasma and Serum Specimens  separated from the clot must  be stored  under one of the following conditions:
    • In the primary or secondary collection tube  at 2-8°C for up to 5 days, or
    • In the secondary tube at -20°C or below for up to 60 days.
      DO NOT USE ICE MADE WITH WATER WHEN SHIPPING SPECIMENS

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Serum
Plasma

Test Request Form(s)

Virology Test Request Form

Possible Results

HCV Antibody: Reactive/Non-Reactive

HCV RNA: Detected/Not Detected

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Hemolyzed
  • Lipemic
  • No sample ID
  • 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

Additional Information

Kit Instructions

Testing Letter