Effective Thursday, March 14, 2013, the Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory will perform Hepatitis C virus (HCV) 1a and 1b subtype testing in addition to the current primary genotyping for the test "HEPATITIS C VIRUS GENOTYPING" (Epic order # LAB2464). Genotype and type 1a and 1b subtype information is important for predicting treatment response.

HCV genotype testing requires a dedicated EDTA (pink top) whole blood specimen separate from HCV quantitative PCR viral load testing.

The HCV 1a and 1b subtype assay involves sequencing a portion of the HCV NS5b gene to determine the genotype and subtype. The assay has been validated by the Microbiology and Molecular Pathology Laboratory. Questions may be directed to Aaron Bossler, M.D., Ph.D. at 4-9566.