Hepatitis C Genotype
Order Code: HCVGENO
Order Form: Microbiology/Molecular Pathology Infectious Disease Requisition
Specimen:
Plasma
Collection Medium:
Pink top tube
Alternate Collection Media:
Lavender top tube 3 mL (EDTA), White top plasma preparation tube (PPT, EDTA)
Minimum:
3 mL plasma or 6 mL whole blood. if also testing for HIV viral load, collect a second Pink top tube (3 mL plasma or 6 ml whole blood). Both the genotyping and the quantitative assay can be performed from this 2.0 mL. Sample tube must remain sterile. HCV molecular testing cannot be added onto a previously opened vacutainer tube. Testing requires a dedicated collection tube.
Testing Schedule:
Once per week
Analytic Time:
1 week
Comments:
Test is performed once per week.
Methodology:
Homogeneous Polymerase Chain Reaction (real time PCR)
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 with 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.
Sample Processing:
Within 6 hours of collection, centrifuge at 800-1600 x g for 10 minutes.
Label transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and time of collection.
Maintain sterility and forward promptly to lab.
Specimen should be collected and packaged as close to shipping time as possible.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
See "Instructions:" above for special storage requirements.
Transport Instructions:
Place coolant packs into styrofoam container.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
DO NOT FREEZE, protect specimen by wrapping in bubble-wrap or toweling.
Recommend express mail or equivalent if not on courier service.
CPT Code:
87902