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Test Code LAB4765 HEPATITIS C ANTIBODY DIAGNOSTIC WITH REFLEX TO HCV RNA PCR

Important Note

This HCV test code should be used for patients with history or suspicion of HCV.

For general population screening purposes, please refer to the Screening HCV test here

Samples reactive for Hepatitis C Antibody will be sent to Mayo for HCV RNA confirmatory testing (HCVQN).

Specimen Type

Serum (SST, Gold, Corvac, Tiger, Red Top)

Note: Lithium Heparin (Light gree/Dark green top tubes) are an acceptable alternate specimen at Kootenai Health. The confirmatory test at Mayo requires SST. If a reactive result is obtained from a Lithium Heparin tube, recollection is required to perform the reflex testing.

Specimen Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5mL Serum/Plasma

*Samples reactive from Hepatitis C Antibody will be sent to Mayo for HCV RNA confirmatory testing (HCVQN). See test directory for possible additional specimen requirements.

Turnaround Time

STAT: 1 hour

Timed: 4 hours

Routine: 4 hours

Test Schedule

Daily

Sample Stability

Room Temp: 3 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: N/A

Method

Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA)

Reference Ranges

Nonreactive

CPT Code

86803

Interpretation and Clinical Utility

Used to aid in the presumptive diagnosis of HCV infection in persons with signs and symptoms of hepatitis and in people at risk for hepatitis C infection. Anti-HCV antibody tests are used in combination with other tests (e.g. HCV RNA) to detect infection with hepatitis C virus.

Non-Reactive: Antibodies to HCV were not detected; does not exclude the possiblility of exposure to HCV.

Equivocal: Antibodies to HCV may or may not be present; another specimen should be obtained from the individual for further testing or follow CDC recommendations for supplemental testing.

Reactive: Presumptive evidence of antibodies to HCV. HCV RNA test will be reflexed and sent out for confirmation.