Hepatitis C Genotype

Test name:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotype, HCV viral load plus genotype

Order name:
HCV Geno, HCV VL U + GENO

Specimen requirements:
Plasma or serum separated from peripheral blood less than 6 hours from collection

Minimum volume:
2 mL  plasma or serum

Storage and stability information:
Peripheral blood (Refrigerated, 6 hours), Plasma or serum (Refrigerated, 3 days, or frozen at -20°C less than 6 days)

Test performed:
Once per week

Methodology:
Polymerase chain reaction and line-probe assay

Reference range:
HCV genotypes 1-6

Clinical significance:
Hepatitis C genotype is a predictor of response to interferon alfa-2b (non-type 1 are better responders) and to combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin (all types respond but dosage and duration of treatment is dependent on genotype).

CPT codes:
87902