HCV Viral Load - RRPL
Discipline
Microbiology
Overview
Description
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a bloodborne virus and a significant cause of infectious hepatitis.
- Viral load testing is used to diagnose active HCV infection and monitor response to treatment in HCV positive patients.
Ordering recommendations
- HCV Viral Load testing may be ordered on known HCV Antibody positive patients
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Plasma
Specimen collection container
- Plasma EDTA (lavender top) tube
Collection procedure
- Collect blood in vacutainer containing EDTA (lavender top). Centrifuge. Aliquot plasma equally between two 3 mL cryovials as soon as possible. If less than 2.5 mL plasma is collected, send in one 3 mL cryovial. Freeze specimens as soon as possible.
Required volume
- 1 EDTA (Lavender Top) tube, 4 mL (1 mL minimum)
Transport and stability
- Plasma should be separated from whole blood within 6 hours of collection, aliquoted, and frozen prior to shipping.
Testing Information
Relevant clinical history
Patient history
- HCV viral load testing should only be ordered on known HCV Antibody positive patients, or following needle stick exposure to blood or body fluid from an HCV positive source patient.
Performance
Methodology
- RRPL - Quantitative NAAT testing via Roche Cobas 6800 (Detected and quantified in IU/mL or Not Detected)
Days/times performed
Availability
- Specimens are tested at RRPL
Maximum laboratory time
Result reporting
- Turnaround time of 3 days receipt in testing laboratory
Specimen retention time
- All specimens are retained for 7 days after testing is complete
Last Updated: October 9, 2024