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TEST ID HCVQN Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR, Serum

Reporting Name

HCV RNA Detect/Quant, S

Specimen Type

Serum SST


Ordering Guidance


For detection and quantification of hepatitis C viral RNA in serum before, during, and after 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 84 days) until shipment on dry ice.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL

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


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.8 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum SST Frozen (preferred) 84 days
  Refrigerated  6 days

Method Name

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

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

Undetected

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Specimen Retention Time

2 months

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87522

Forms

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

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)

-Microbiology Test Request (T244)

-General Test Request (T239)

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

 

Quantification of HCV RNA in serum of patients with chronic HCV infection (HCV antibody-positive)

 

Monitoring disease progression in chronic HCV infection and response to antiviral therapy

 

Determining cure and detection of relapse 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 before initiating antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

 

This test can be used to monitor response and progress during 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.