Hepatitis C Virus RNA by PCR, Plasma

Hepatitis C Virus RNA by PCR

Order Code:	HCVQNT
Order Form:	Microbiology/Molecular Pathology Infectious Disease Requisition

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.

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)

Instructions:

Cannot use specimen for other testing. 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.

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:

87522