Test Code HCVRQ Hepatitis C Virus Viral Load
Sample Type
serum or EDTA plasma
minimum requirement of 650 uL
Collection Tube
SST,EDTA, or BD Plasma Prep Tube for molecular diagnostics
Specimen Handling Instructions
storage conditions: May be stored and/or transported for up to 24 hours at 2°C to 25°C prior to plasma/serum preparation
Transport
Whole blood in tubes can be transported for up to 24 hours at 2°C to 25°C prior to plasma/ serum preparation.
Department
Microbiology
Sample Stability
Sample stability is affected by elevated temperatures.
Stable 24 hours before separation of plasma or serum.
Upon separation:
Stable for up to 6 days at 2- 8°C
Stable for up to 12 weeks at ≤-18°C
Stable for up to 6 months at ≤-60°C
Stable for up to 4 freeze/thaw cycles when frozen at ≤-18°C