Hepatitis C Virus RNA by PCR, Plasma

Hepatitis C Virus RNA by PCR

Order Code:	HCVQNT
Epic Lab Code:	LAB2465
Order Form:	A-1a Molecular Pathology/Diagnostics or Epic Req

Microbiology
BT 6004
356-2591
Bacteriology/Virology Section

Specimen:

Plasma

Collection Medium:

	or		and		or
Pink top tube	or	Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)	and	Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA)	or	White top plasma preparation tube (PPT, EDTA)

Minimum:

6 mL whole blood or 3 mL plasma. If also testing for HIV viral load, collect a second Pink top tube (3 mL plasma or 6 mL whole blood). HCV molecular testing cannot be added onto a previously opened vacutainer tube. Testing requires a dedicated collection tube.

Delivery Instructions:

Deliver to laboratory immediately after collection.

Specimen Instructions:

Record draw time. All collection tubes need to be processed within six hours of collection. If specimens cannot reach the Microbiology laboratory at UIHC with the six hours, process as follows: Pink or lavender top tubes: Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 800-1600 x g. Aseptically enter the tube and aliquot into sterile RNase free tubes. Transport to the laboratory on ice within 24 hours. White top tube: Centrifuge for 10 minutes at 800-1600 x g. Do not pour off plasma, maintain sterility and transport to the laboratory on ice within 24 hours.

Testing Schedule:

Once per week

Analytic Time:

1 week

Reference Range:

Analytic Measurement Range: 43-69,000,000 IU/mL Results Reported: Negative, <43 IU/mL, 43 and greater IU/mL

Methodology:

Homogeneous Polymerase Chain Reaction (real time PCR)

CPT Code:

87522

See Additional Information:
Specimens Requiring Immediate Delivery