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HelpTest Code HCVQ Hepatitis C Virus RNA Detection and Quantification by PCR, Serum
Additional Codes
| EPIC Code |
| LAB3526 |
| Sunquest Code |
| HCVQ |
Ordering Guidance
For detection and quantification of HCV RNA in serum before, during, and after antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
Transport Instructions
1. Transport specimen refrigerated.
2. If transport will be delayed for more 24 hours, freeze serum at -20 to -80° C (up to 60 days).
Specimen Required
Supplies: Aliquot Tube, 5 mL
Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge blood collection tube per collection tube manufacturer's instructions.
2. Pour off serum into aliquot tube.
Additional Information:
1. Molecular Viral Load testing must have its own tube.
2. To avoid co-mingling and cross contamination: If specimen is to be shared with antoher department, the molecular testing must take an aliquot of the specimen first or perform their testing prior to routing to additional testing departments.
Bronson Laboratory Services Note:
This test requires a FULL SST tube to obtain 1.5 mL serum required for testing.
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
Method Name
Real-Time Transcription-mediated amplification-TMA (RT-PCR)
Hologic Genprobe Aptima HCV Quant Dx Assay
Specimen Type
Serum SST (Full) 1.5 mL Serum
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum SST | Frozen (preferred) | 60 days |
| Refrigerated |
5 days |
Reference Values
Undetected
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Thursday
CPT Code Information
87522