Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotype

Additional Information:

Special Instructions

  • This assay should not be used as a screening test for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It should be requested only on specimens obtained from patients confirmed to have HCV RNA levels in serum that are greater than or equal to 1000 IU/mL.
  • An undetected or indeterminate HCV genotype result does not rule-out active HCV infection. Test results should be correlated with routine serologic and molecular-based testing, as well as clinical presentation.
  • Specimens containing low HCV viral load (i.e. less than 1,000 IU/mL) may yield indeterminate results.

CPT Code(s):

87902

Specimen Requirements:

Acceptable Specimens

  • 500uL of serum or plasma (Separate from cells within six hours.)
Storage/Transport Temperature

  • Refrigerated
Unacceptable Conditions

  • Heparinized specimens
Remarks: Submit the most recent viral load and test date along with the specimen (if available).

Stability

  • On Cells:
    • Ambient: Six hours
  • After Separation from Cells:
    • Refrigerated: 72 hours
    • Frozen: Four months

Additional Information: Specimens should containa recommended minimum hepatitis C viral load of 1000 IU/mL.

Use:

This test is designed to genotype a panel of eight prevalent HCV types/subtypes (1a, 1b, 2a/c, 2b, 3, 4, 5 and 6), using multiplex reverse transcription (RT).

Methodology:

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of estracted nucleic acid followed by a direct analysis of the electrochemical eSensor XT-8 detection system

Reported:

Within 9 business days

Performed:

Weekly