Hepatitis C RNA, Quantitative

General Information

Lab Name

Hepatitis C RNA, Quant

Lab Code

HCVQNT

Epic Name

Hepatitis C RNA, Quantitative

Description

The Abbott real-time FDA approved HCV assay detects and quantifies Hepatitis C virus by real-time PCR amplification with primers specific for the 5’UTR region . The RNA concentration detected with a probability of 95% or greater is 12 IU/mL (1.08 log IU/mL).

For Tissue Biopsy, Bone Marrow, Swab, or Cellular fluid (e.g.: BAL or Washing), see Hepatitis C Qualitative PCR, Tissue [HCVQLT].

For HCV genotyping, see Hepatitis C RNA Genotyping by PCR [HCPCGT].

Synonyms

HCV RNA Quant, Hepatitis C by PCR, PCR-Hepatitis C, Viral Load-Hepatitis C

Components

Code Name
HCQNR Hepatitis C Quant Result
HCVLOG HCV RNA IU/mL (Log 10)
HCQNI Hepatitis C Quant Interp

Interpretation

Method

Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Reference Range

See individual components

Guidelines

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type

Blood

Collection

Blood: 5 mL blood in PEARL TOP tube (PPT).

Also Acceptable: 5 mL blood in GOLD SST, RED, or LAVENDAR (EDTA) tube.

Note: Separate specimens MUST be submitted when both Viral Culture or Serology and PCR testing are ordered.

Unacceptable samples: Plasma collected in sodium or lithium heparin.

Quantity

requested: 2.0 mL plasma/serum
minimum: 1 mL plasma/serum

Processing

Blood: Separate plasma/serum from whole blood within 6 hours of collection. Freeze plasma/serum at -10°C or colder and ship on dry ice. Plasma may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours from collection. Do not freeze/thaw.

Outside Laboratory: Ship samples on dry ice. If freezer and/or dry ice is not available, ship immediately at 2-8°C (ice pack). Shipment time must not exceed 48 hours from collection. Sample may be stored at 2-8°C (ice pack) for up to 48 hours of collection. Samples stored at 2-8°C greater than 48 hours old may be rejected. Do not freeze/thaw.

Performance

LIS Dept Code

Virology, Eastlake (EVIR)

Performing Location(s)

Other Virology, Molecular
206-685-6656

Virology Laboratory, Ste 320
1616 Eastlake Ave E.
Seattle, WA 98102

Frequency

Monday and Thursday. Results next day.

Available STAT?

No

Billing & Coding

CPT codes

87522

LOINC

50023-1

Interfaced Order Code

UOW181