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Test Code
HCVLD
Test Name
Hepatitis C Virus by Quantitative PCR
CPT Codes
87522
Included Tests
  • HCV Viral Load, IU/mL
  • HCV Viral Load, log IU/mL
Expected Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Clinical Utility

This test is intended for use as an aid in the management of HCV-infected patients undergoing anti-viral therapy. The assay can be used to measure HCV RNA levels at baseline, during treatment, at the end of treatment, and at the end of follow up of treatment to determine sustained or non-sustained viral response.
Specimen and Container Info

Preferred Specimen Type: Plasma

Alternate Specimen Type: Serum

Preferred Collection Container:  White Top, PPT Plasma Preparation Tube

Alternate Collection Container: Lavender Top (EDTA); Gold Top, Serum Separator

Desired Specimen Volume:  2 mL

Minimum Acceptable Volume:  1 mL
Collection Instructions
  1. Within 24 hours of collection, centrifuge for 10 min <1300 rcf.
  2. For Lavender Top (EDTA) tubes, aliquot plasma into a sterile plastic tube.
  3. For White Top PPT tubes and Gold Top, Serum Separator tubes, do not aliquot.
Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.
Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

Whole Blood, Plasma and Serum, 24 Hours

Refrigerated

Whole Blood, 24 Hours; Plasma and Serum, 6 Days

Frozen

Plasma and Serum, 6 Months at -70C

Plasma and Serum, 12 Weeks at -20C

Freeze/Thaw Cycles

 4 Freeze / Thaw
Causes for Rejection
  • Any specimen with leakage on the outside of the container will be rejected. Ensure the lid is tightly closed.
  • Any specimen shared with another laboratory test will be rejected.
  • Any specimen collected in an outdated collection tube will be rejected.
Methodology
Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction
Reference Intervals

HCV Virus Not Detected
Limitations

Technical Range of Assay

15 - 1.0 x 10,0000,000 IU/mL

1.18 - 8.00 log IU/mL
Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • HCV DNA Quantitative by PCR
  • Hepatitis C Viral Load
  • HCV Viral Load
Testing Schedule
Routine, 3 times per week
The American Medical Association (AMA) Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published by HNL Lab Medicine are guidelines and are intended for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the exclusive responsibility of the billing entity. View the Terms.
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