Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Genotype, LiPA
Also known as: HCV Viral RNA Genotype, LiPA, HCV RNA Genotype, LIPA
Use
Determination of hepatitis C genotype is required to select the most appropriate direct‑acting antiviral agents and guide treatment duration and regimen; genotyping assists in therapeutic decision‑making particularly for genotype‑specific treatment protocols. A concurrent hepatitis C viral load of ≥2,000 IU/mL is generally required for successful genotype detection; failure to genotype may result from low viral load (<2,000 IU/mL), mutations at PCR primer sites, or other factors.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Genotyping may fail if viral load is below threshold (varies by genotype, range ~500–5,000 IU/mL). Mutations in viral genome at PCR priming regions or other unknown factors may impair assay performance.
Methodology
PCR-based (PCR)
Biomarkers
HCV Genotype (1–6, subtypes 1a, 1b)
Other
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2.0 mL (optimum)
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Lavender (EDTA) tube; also acceptable: PPT (potassium EDTA), serum separator tube or red‑top (no gel) tube
Collection Instructions
Collect blood in lavender (EDTA) tube; centrifuge and separate plasma within 24 hours. Alternate: serum collected in serum separator or red‑top tube. Transfer aliquot to transport tube and refrigerate or freeze.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated; transport cold packs
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; gross lipemia; unspun PPT tube; unspun serum separator tube; unspun red‑top tube; heparin anticoagulant; received at room temperature
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30–42 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant