Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Qualitative

Test name:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Qualitative PCR

Order name:
HCV PCR QUAL

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:
Twice per week

Methodology:
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference range:
No HCV target detected

Limit of detection:
The Limit of Detection (LOD) of the assay is 18 IU/mL across HCV genotypes 1-6 [ 7.1 IU/mL for HCV genotype 1; 15.3 IU/mL for HCV genotype 2; 9.8 IU/mL for HCV genotype 3; 5.6 IU/mL for HCV genotype 4;  18.3 IU/mL  for HCV genotype 5; 9.7 IU/Ml for HCV genotype 6

Clinical significance:
The qualitative assessment of HCV RNA is useful in confirming HCV infection and to assess response to therapy.

CPT codes:
87521