Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Screen with Reflex to HCV RNA, PCR, Asymptomatic, Serum
Use
This test is used for screening hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in primary care settings among high-risk individuals with a prior or current history of illicit injection drug use, or those with a history of receiving a blood transfusion before 1992. It is also useful for screening non-high-risk persons born between 1945 and 1965, as well as screening all adults aged 18 years or older at least once in a lifetime, except in areas where HCV prevalence is below 0.1%. This test helps identify asymptomatic individuals potentially infected with HCV, guiding further diagnosis or treatment.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The test is not suitable for diagnosing acute hepatitis C as HCV antibodies may only be detectable more than two months after exposure. Reactive screening results should be followed by a confirmatory test such as a nucleic acid test for HCV RNA. It cannot distinguish between past resolved or present HCV infection, nor does it provide information about the clinical response to treatment. Serological testing is also limited in its ability to detect HCV in immunocompromised individuals and may yield false-positive results.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
HCV Antibody
Protein
LOINC Codes
- 40726-2 - HCV IgG SerPl Ql IA
- 40726-2 - HCV IgG SerPl Ql IA
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.9 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge blood collection tube per manufacturer's instructions. Aliquot serum into plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For 24 hours before specimen collection, the patient should not take multivitamins or dietary supplements containing biotin.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 6 days |
| Frozen | 84 days |