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Test Code HCV Quant by NAAT Hepatitis C Virus Quantitative by NAAT

Aliases

HCV Viral Load, HCV by PCR

Useful For

Useful to aid in the management of HCV infected patients undergoing HCV antiviral drug therapy. The assay can be used to measure HCV RNA levels periodically prior to, during, and after treatment to determine sustained virological response.

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required

Collection Method

Venous collection

Minimum Volume

3 mL

Container

Pink Top EDTA

Preferred Specimen

Frozen Plasma from whole blood collected in a Pink Top EDTA tube

Acceptable Specimens

EDTA Whole blood collected within 6 hours

Reference or Target Ranges

Not Detected

 

Lower Limit of Detection 10 IU/mL, 1.00 Log10
Upper Limit of Detection 100,000,000 IU/mL, 8.00 Log10

 

Reportable Units

IU/mL and Log10

Critical Value

Not defined for this assay

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis Threshold N/A
Icterus Threshold N/A
Lipemia Threshold N/A
Interfering Subtances/Other
  • Plasma not separated and frozen within 6 hours of collection
  • Leakage or contamination of specimen, improper collection, container or transport, questionable patient or specimen identification, insufficient quantity

Specimen Stability

Ambient Whole Blood: 6 Hours
Plasma: 24 Hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) Plasma: 5 Days
Frozen (-20°C or below) Plasma: 60 Days

Special Handling

Handle all specimens as if they are capable of transmitting infectious agents.

Performance Information

Days and Time Performed Batched once weekly
Expected Turn Around Time 1 – 7 Days
Stat Availabilty No
Performing Bench Molecular Pathology
Methodology/Method Description Hologic Panther – Nucleic Acid Amplification

Reflex Testing

Test does not automatically reflex. Additional testing available off of original sample for HCV genotyping by contacting the Molecular laboratory.

CPT Codes

87522