ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

0051307: Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantitative bDNA with Reflex to Qualitative PCR

Test Mnemonic: HCVBC QR
Methodology: Branched Chain DNA/Polymerase Chain Reaction

Performed: Tue, Fri

Reported: 3-9 days

Specimen Required:  
Collect: One 6 mL SST, PPT, lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).

Transport: 2 mL serum or plasma, frozen.  (Min 0.5 mL) Submit specimen in an ARUP Standard Transport Tube.  Specimens collected in a PPT should be submitted in original container.

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.5 mL serum or plasma, frozen.

Submit specimen according to Biological Substance, Category B, shipping guidelines.

Remarks: CRITICAL FROZEN.  Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.  Remove serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours.

Unacceptable Conditions: Nonfrozen or heparinized specimens.  Specimens exposed to repeated freeze/thaw cycles or collected in ACD tubes.

Stability: After separation from cells: Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated: 12 hours; Frozen (-20°C): 3 days; Frozen (-70°C): 4 months

Reference Interval:
 
Test Number Components Reference Interval
 Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantitative bDNA Less than 2.8 log IU/mL
 Hepatitis C Virus RNA Qualitative PCR Negative - Hepatitis C virus RNA not detected by RT-PCR (less than 50 IU/mL, 100 copies per mL).

Interpretive Data:
Refer to individual components.



Note:
If Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantitative bDNA is <2.8 log IU/mL, then Hepatitis C Virus Qualitative PCR will be added.

CPT Code(s):
87522 Hep C; if less than linear response, add 87521 Hep C PCR