ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Hepatitis C Virus RNA Qualitative PCR : 0098264

Mnemonic: HEP C PCR

Ordering Recommendation: Not recommended. Order Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantitative, Real-Time PCR (0098268).
Methodology: Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 2-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum or plasma from cells within 6 hours. Transfer 2 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.25 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Frozen.

Unacceptable Conditions: Heparinized specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): On cells: Ambient: 6 hours. After separation from cells: Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: 4 months
Reference Interval:
Not Detected
Interpretive Data: The lower limit of detection is 100 IU/mL.

An internal control monitors the specimen for inadequate specimen extraction or for the presence of inhibitors in the specimen. False positive results may occur. A negative result does not rule out the presence of PCR inhibitors in the patient specimen or hepatitis C virus RNA concentrations below the limit of detection by the assay.

This assay should not be used for blood donor screening, associated re-entry protocols, or for screening Human Cell, Tissues and Cellular Tissue-Based Products (HCT/P). 
CPT Code(s): 87521 
Cross References: HCV Qualitative PCR (Hepatitis C Virus RNA Qualitative PCR)