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Hepatitis C RNA, Quantitative by Real Time PCR
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Approval req'd? | No |
| Available Stat? | No |
| Test code | HCVRT |
| Test group | Hepatitis |
| Performed by | Immunology |
| Method | RT-PCR |
| Collection Instructions | Transport to laboratory as soon as possible after collection. Sample needs to be processed within 6 hours. |
| Container type | Lavender top 6 mL |
| Amount to Collect | 6 mL blood |
| Sample type | EDTA Plasma |
| Preferred volume | 3 mL plasma |
| Min. Volume | 1.5 mL plasma |
| Processing notes | Separate plasma from cells within 6 hours of collection and freeze at -20C. Transport on dry ice to China Basin |
| Units | IU/mL and log IU/mL |
| Normal range | Target not detected (< 12 IU/mL or < 1.08 log IU/mL) |
| Synonyms | Hepatitis C RNA, Qualitative, PCR; Hepatitis C RNA, Quantitative, PCR; HCV; Hepatitis C RNA, Quantitative by B-DNA; |
| Stability | Room temperature 6 hours |
| Turn around times | Performed once per week. Turnaround time 3-9 days |
| Additional information | High off-scale results are routinely reported as > 100,000,000 IU/mL or > 8.0 log IU/mL. Low level results where HCV RNA is detected by the assay but not quantifiable are reported as Detected with a result <12 IU/mL or <1.08 log IU/mL. Target Not Detected is reported when no HCV RNA can be detected by the assay. This result should not imply the patient is not infected with HCV. Viral loads less than 12 IU/mL will not be reliably detected by this assay. Correlation with clinical findings and serologic results are recommended. This test may be used as a marker for the effect of interferon or other therapy, but should not be used for diagnosis without confirmation by other established means. Positive results are automatically forwarded to California public health per regulations. However, this does not absolve the ordering provider from any additional reporting if such is required. |
| CPT coding | 87522 |
| Last Updated | 8/15/2012 1:17:57 PM |
| Entry Number | 1342 |
If you have additional questions regarding this test, please call: 415-353-1667