Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Brief Description

HCV Antibody Testing

HCV RNA Confirmatory Testing

Laboratory Unit

Virology

Immunology

Methodology

Chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)

Real-time transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)

Specimen Collection

2.5ml minimum volume

  • Serum (Preferred sample) – Serum separator tube.  If using a red top tube, transfer serum into secondary container. 
    Or
  • Plasma – ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) – Transfer plasma into secondary container.

SPECIMEN – Must be centrifuged within 6 hours of collection.

Storage/Transport

  • Specimens should be shipped to the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory as soon as possible.
  • Samples must kept cool and be received within 5 days of collection. 
  • Immediately store the specimen at refrigerator temperature (2-8oC) pending shipment.
  • Ship specimen refrigerated on a frozen refrigerant pack to keep cool.
  • If samples will exceed the 5 days from collection time, the serum/plasma must be transferred to a secondary container then frozen and shipped on dry ice.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Serum
Plasma

Test Request Form(s)

Virology Test Request Form

Possible Results

HCV Antibody: Reactive/Non-Reactive

HCV RNA: Detected/Not Detected

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Hemolyzed
  • Lipemic
  • No name on specimen
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen

Interfering Substances

Biotin concentrations greater than 100 ng/mL

Result Reported

HCV antibody screen – Day of receipt

HCV RNA – 1-4 days after receipt (performed weekly)

Fees

N/A

CPT Codes

HCV Antibody: 86803

HCV RNA: 87522

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

HCV Antibody:  13955-0

HCV RNA:  11259-9

Additional Information

Kit Instructions

Testing Letter