Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Screen with Reflex to HCV RNA, PCR, Asymptomatic, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC46645Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID HCSRNCPT Codes 0472, 86803, 87522

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Screen with Reflex to HCV RNA, PCR, Asymptomatic, Serum

Clinical Use

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

The test is indicated according to National Coverage Determination guidance for asymptomatic patients born from 1945 through 1965, those with a history of injection drug use, or a history of receiving a blood transfusion prior to 1992. It is not intended for screening or confirmatory testing in blood or tissue donors.

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.

Test Details

FDA Approved