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TEST ID HCVQG Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Quantification with Reflex to HCV Genotype, Serum

Reporting Name

HCV RNA Detect/Quant Reflex Geno, S

Specimen Type

Serum SST


Ordering Guidance


For detection and quantification of hepatitis C (HCV) RNA and genotype in serum before initiating antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

 

Do not order this test to monitor response and progress during antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.



Shipping Instructions


1. Freeze serum immediately, and ship specimen frozen on dry ice only.

2. If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze serum at -20 to -80° C (up to 42 days) until shipment on dry ice.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 3.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.


Specimen Minimum Volume

1.6 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum SST Frozen (preferred) 42 days
  Refrigerated  72 hours

Testing Algorithm

Specimens with hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels greater than or equal to 500 IU/mL will be tested for HCV genotype at an additional charge.

 

Specimens either generating indeterminate genotype results or results with multiple or mixed HCV genotypes (eg, 1, 5; 1a, 2; or 3, 5) containing genotype 1 but no subtype will be automatically evaluated with by genotype resolution at an additional charge.

 

For more information see:

-Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment and Monitoring Algorithm: Direct Antiviral Antigen (DAA) Combination

-Hepatitis C: Testing Algorithm for Screening and Diagnosis

Method Name

HCVQG: Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

HCVG, HCVGR: RT-PCR followed by Hybridization with Sequence-Specific, Fluorescent-Labeled Oligonucleotide Probes

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

Undetected

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
HCVG HCV Genotype, S Yes No
HCVGR HCV Genotype Resolution, S No No

Report Available

1 to 8 days

Specimen Retention Time

60 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87522

87902 (if appropriate)

87902 (if appropriate)

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-Microbiology Test Request (T244)

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)

Useful For

Detection of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection before the appearance of HCV antibodies in serum (ie, <2 months from exposure)

 

Detection and confirmation of chronic HCV infection and determining HCV genotype (1 to 5) to guide antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C

 

Quantification of HCV RNA in serum of patients with chronic HCV infection (HCV antibody-positive) before initiating antiviral therapy

 

Determining cure and detection of relapse of HCV infection after completion of antiviral therapy

Highlights

A reflex test for serum specimens that are hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibody screen-reactive for diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C.

 

This test is appropriate for diagnosis of acute hepatitis C in high-risk or immunosuppressed individuals who may be negative for HCV antibodies.

 

This test can be used to establish a baseline HCV viral load and viral genotype before initiating antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

 

This test is appropriate for confirming a sustained virologic response and detecting a relapse of hepatitis C after completion of antiviral therapy.