ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0098264: Hepatitis C Virus RNA Qualitative PCR |
| Test Mnemonic: HEP C PCR | |
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Methodology: Polymerase Chain Reaction
Performed: Sun-Sat Reported: 2-4 days |
| Specimen Required: | |
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Collect: One 6 mL SST, PPT, or one 5 mL 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: 0.25 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. Separate serum or plasma from cells within two hours. Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens collected in ACD. Nonfrozen or heparinized specimens. Specimens thawed and refrozen. Polystyrene tubes. Stability: Ambient: 2 hours (on cells); Plasma or serum removed from cells within two hours can be refrigerated and frozen as follows: Refrigerated: 12 hours; Frozen: 4 months |
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| Reference Interval: |
| Negative |
| Interpretive Data: | |
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The lower limit of detection is 50 IU/mL. Assay methodology is polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the FDA approved Roche COBAS Amplicor Hepatitis C Virus test, Version 2.0. An internal control monitors the specimen for inadequate specimen extraction or 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 |