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Test Code HCVQN Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR, Serum


Ordering Guidance


For detection and quantification of hepatitis C viral RNA in serum before, during, and after antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.



Shipping Instructions


1. Freeze serum immediately, and ship specimen frozen on dry ice only.

2. If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze serum at -20 to -80° C (up to 84 days) until shipment on dry ice.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL Serum

Collection Instructions: Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.


Children's Mercy Hospital Note:

CMH COLLECTION: 3 mL in red gel vacutainer 

Specimen Minimum Volume

Serum: 0.8 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum SST Frozen (preferred) 84 days
  Refrigerated  6 days

Useful For

Detection of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection before the appearance of HCV antibodies in serum (ie, <2 months from exposure)

 

Detection and confirmation of chronic HCV infection

 

Quantification of HCV RNA in serum of patients with chronic HCV infection (HCV antibody-positive)

 

Monitoring disease progression in chronic HCV infection and response to antiviral therapy

 

Determining cure and detection of relapse after completion of antiviral therapy

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Reporting Name

HCV RNA Detect/Quant, S

Reference Values

Undetected

Method Name

Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

87522