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.
Specimen Requirements
Container/Tube: SST/RED
Preferred: Serum
Acceptable: Serum
Specimen Volume: 4.0ml (to ensure adequate volume for reflex testing)
SPECIMEN PROCESSING and HANDLING
Allow samples to clot adequately before centrifugation
TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE
Specimen is stable at Room Temperature for <8 hrs and Refrigerated for <48 hrs