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HelpTest Code HCPCR Hepatitis C Virus, RNA, Quantitative PCR
Important Note
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Quantitative PCR
| Alternate Test Name: | HCV Viral Load |
| Test Number: | 02257 |
| Dept: | Molecular |
| SPECIMEN COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS | |
| Collection Container: |
EDTA Plasma or SST Serum |
| Specimen: | Plasma & Serum |
| Collection Notes: | NOTE FOR OUT OF AREA CLIENTS: Please draw one full 6mL Pink Top (EDTA), or SST. Spin, Separate and freeze a minimum of 3mL plasma or serum within 24 hours of collection. Whole blood may only be submitted if it will be centrifuged, and the plasma/serum separated within 24 hours of collection. |
| Transport Temperature: | Refrigerated |
| Specimen Volume: | Preferred Volume: 3 mL; Minimum Volume: 2.5 mL |
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Performed: | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday |
| Reported: | Next Day |
| Methodology: | Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) |
| CPT: | 87522 |
| LOINC: | 11011-4 |
| Stability: | Room Temperature: 24 hours for refrigerated whole blood; Refrigerated: 3 days for plasma or serum; Frozen: 6 Weeks for plasma or serum |
| Reference Range: |
Not Detected |
| Notes: | The HCV Viral Load assay is reported in International Units (IU) of HCV RNA per mL of plasma/serum, as well as in log units. The analytical range of the assay is 15 to > 100,000,000 IU/mL. This assay has now received approval for expanded use as a confirmatory assay in the diagnosis of active HCV infection in patients with a positive Antibody screen, and will automatically be performed when an HCV Antibody screen is positive. *This test is run two or more days per week as a batch and is not run STAT. It may be necessary at times to alter the testing schedule due to instrument or other un-forseen issues. * |