HCV Ab Screen, Serum – Provincial
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is bloodborne virus and a significant cause of infectious hepatitis.
- The HCV Antibody (Ab) screen is used for diagnosis of HCV infection. Patient samples found to be reactive via the HCV Ab screen for the first time receive confirmatory testing to confirm diagnosis.
Ordering recommendations
- Patients with compatible symptoms and/or exposure risk for HCV infection
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Serum
Specimen collection container
- Serum separator tubes (SST; gold top)
Collection procedure
- Collect blood in serum separator tube (gold top). Serum must be separated from whole blood by centrifugation within 24h of collection.
Required volume
- 1 SST (gold top) tube, 5mL
Transport and stability
- Serum must be separated from whole blood within 24h of collection. Serum may be shipped at ambient temperature.
Performance
Methodology
- Qualitative immunoassay via Roche Elecsys (Saskatoon) or Abbott Alinity (Regina), (Reactive, Indeterminate, or Non-Reactive)
Days/times performed
Availability
-
Routine specimens are tested in Saskatoon or Regina
-
Confirmatory testing for reactive screens is completed at RRPL
Maximum laboratory time
Result reporting
- HCV Ab screen turnaround time of 3 days from receipt at testing lab.
Specimen retention time
- Serum is retained for 3 days after completion of testing
Other information
Any additional comments
- All indeterminate or reactive specimens receive confirmatory testing at RRPL.
- Confirmed positive results are reported to a Medical Health Officer.
Last Updated: April 5, 2024