Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

HCV Antibody Testing

HCV RNA Confirmatory Testing

Virology

Immunology

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Real-time transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)

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.

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.
• From collection date, Plasma and Serum Specimens samples separated from the clot must be received under one of the following conditions:
• 2 to 8°C within seven (7) days, or
• 8.1 to 30°C within four (4) days, or
• -19.9 to 1.9°C within four (4) days, or
• -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 received under one of the following conditions:
• 0-30°C within 1 day, or
• 0-10°C within 3 days, or
• 0-8°C within 5 days, or
• In a secondary tube at -20°C or below, shipped with dry ice within 60 days.

DO NOT USE ICE MADE WITH WATER WHEN SHIPPING SPECIMENS

Serum
Plasma

Virology Test Request Form

HCV Antibody: Reactive/Non-Reactive

HCV RNA: Detected/Not Detected

• Hemolyzed
• Lipemic
• No sample ID
• Improper storage/transport of specimen

Biotin concentrations greater than 100 ng/mL

HCV antibody screen – Day of receipt

HCV RNA – 1-4 days after receipt (performed weekly)

N/A

HCV Antibody: 86803

HCV RNA: 87522

HCV Antibody:  13955-0

HCV RNA:  11259-9