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Test Code HCVQN Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA Detection and Quantification by Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR, Serum

Important Note

As of 9/1/2023, all Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibody screens that are positive will automatically reflex the HCV RNA by transcription polymerase chain reaction at an additional charge.  Per the CDC testing recommendations, anti-HCV positive/reactive should be automatically tested with an FDA-approved nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV RNA.  "Automatic" testing happens in the laboratory without additional action on the part of the patient or the healthcare provider.  Automatic testing is critical to increase the number of people diagnosed with current HCV infection who can then be linked to care and curative antiviral therapy.

 

***HCV RNA Quantitative can still be ordered alone for patients with known history of HCV.***


Ordering Guidance


For detection and quantification of hepatitis C viral RNA in serum before, during, and after antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.



Shipping Instructions


1. Freeze serum immediately, and ship specimen frozen on dry ice only.

2. If shipment will be delayed for more than 24 hours, freeze serum at -20 to -80° C (up to 84 days) until shipment on dry ice.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.


Useful For

Detection of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection before the appearance of HCV antibodies in serum (ie, <2 months from exposure)

 

Detection and confirmation of chronic HCV infection

 

Quantification of HCV RNA in serum of patients with chronic HCV infection (HCV antibody-positive)

 

Monitoring disease progression in chronic HCV infection and response to antiviral therapy

 

Determining cure and detection of relapse after completion of antiviral therapy

Method Name

Real-Time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

Reporting Name

HCV RNA Detect/Quant, S

Specimen Type

Serum SST

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.8 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum SST Frozen (preferred) 84 days
  Refrigerated  6 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Reference Values

Undetected

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Saturday

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

87522

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HCVQN HCV RNA Detect/Quant, S 11011-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
97291 HCV RNA Detect/Quant, S 11011-4

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728)

-Microbiology Test Request (T244)

-General Test Request (T239)