Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Quantitative, RNA PCR (Graphical) With Reflex to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS5B Drug Resistance Assay
Also known as: HCV Real-time PCR With Reflex to HCV NS5B Drug Resistance Assay, HCV RNA Quantitation With Reflex to HCV NS5B Drug Resistance Assay
Use
Quantification of HCV with reflex to HCV NS5B drug resistance assay (at additional charge) if ≥1000 IU/mL.
Special Instructions
It's important that the HCV genotype (1a or 1b) is indicated on the test request form. Additionally, submitting the patient's Social Security number or unique identifier is necessary for ordering serial monitoring, which can be crucial for ongoing patient management.
Limitations
The assay has a quantitative range of 15 IU/mL to 100,000,000 IU/mL. A significant limitation is the requirement for an HCV genotype of either 1a or 1b, which means that patients with other genotypes may not have optimal quantification results. Furthermore, certain specimen types and conditions, such as hemolysis or the use of heparinized plasma, can lead to rejection of the test specimen, potentially delaying diagnosis or monitoring.
Methodology
PCR-based (qPCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 50023-1
- 11011-4
- 38180-6
- 80563-0
- 72862-6
- 73655-3
- 49549-9
Result Turnaround Time
11-17 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Ship in plasma preparation tube (PPT™) or screw-capped polypropylene frozen transport tubes.
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen in two PPT™ tubes, gel-barrier tubes, or lavender-top (EDTA) tubes. Do not use green-top (heparin) tubes. Centrifuge specimen within six hours of collection, remove serum/plasma, and transfer specimen to polypropylene screw-capped tubes, and freeze. Ship frozen.
Storage Instructions
Freeze.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; heparinized plasma; nonfrozen specimen; PPT™ not centrifuged; specimen received in 'pop-top' or 'snap-cap' tube; whole blood