Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Quantitative, RNA PCR (Nongraphical) With Reflex to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS5A Drug Resistance Assay
Also known as: HCV Real-time PCR With Reflex to HCV NS5A Drug Resistance Assay, HCV RNA Quantitation With Reflex to HCV NS5A Drug Resistance Assay
Use
Quantification of HCV with reflex to HCV NS5A drug resistance assay (at additional charge) if ≥500 IU/mL.
Special Instructions
Please indicate the patient's HCV genotype (1a or 1b) on the test request form. 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, transfer specimen to polypropylene screw-capped tubes, and freeze. Ship frozen. Submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested to avoid delays.
Limitations
The HCV real-time PCR assay has a quantitative range of 15 IU/mL to 100,000,000 IU/mL. The test requires the knowledge of the HCV genotype, specifically 1a or 1b, which implies the assay might not be suitable for other genotypes without additional considerations. Hemolysis, heparinized plasma, and non-frozen specimens are causes for rejection. Whole blood specimens are also unsuitable for this testing methodology.
Methodology
PCR-based (RT-PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11011-4
- 11011-4
- 38180-6
- 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 tubes (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, transfer specimen to polypropylene screw-capped tubes, and freeze.
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