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
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