Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Quantitative, RNA PCR (Nongraphical) With Reflex to Hepatitis C Virus (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
Please indicate the patient's HCV genotype (1a or 1b) on the test request form. Ensure that specimens are properly collected and handled to avoid delays in turnaround time. Separate frozen specimens should be submitted for each test requested if multiple tests are needed.
Limitations
The real-time PCR assay has a quantitative range from 15 IU/mL to 100,000,000 IU/mL. It requires the patient's HCV genotype 1a or 1b for reflex testing to the NS5B drug resistance assay. Non-adherence to specimen collection and handling procedures, including hemolysis, use of heparinized plasma, and non-frozen specimens, can lead to invalid results or rejection.
Methodology
PCR-based (RT-PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 50023-1
- 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 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. Specimens drawn into PPT™ tubes need to be centrifuged within six hours and frozen. 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