HCV RNA (quantitative)
Liver Pathology Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
The test is intended for use in conjunction with clinical presentation and other laboratory makers of HCV infection for the clinical management of patients with chronic HCV. The test can be used to assess the probability of a sustained viral response early in a course of antiviral therapy and to assess viral response to antiviral treatment as measured by changes in serum or plasma HCV RNA levels.
Reference Range
600 IU /ml 7.00E8 IU /ml
Sample Requirements
300 ul serum/plasma or 7 ml Clotted/EDTA blood
Storage and Transport
Store whole blood at 2 25°C for no longer than 6 hours. Separate serum or plasma from whole blood within 6 hour of collection. Serum or plasma specimens may be stored at 2 8°C for up to 72 hours or frozen at 70°C or colder.
Whole blood must be transported at 2 25°C and processed within 6 hours collection. Serum/plasma may be transported at 2 8°C or frozen at 70°C.
Samples sent by post or by courier must be appropriately labelled and packaged in leak-proof plastic containers in accordance with Post Office regulations. Frozen sera must be similarly packaged and shipped in dry ice. All costs must be met by the sender.
Turnaround Time
3 -5 working days
2 - 3 days for urgent samples
Factors affecting results or interpretation
(i) Heparin (anticoagulant) inhibits PCR amplification.
(ii) Reliable results are dependent on adequate specimen collection, transport and storage.
(iii) Failure to separate whole blood within 6 hours collection.
(iv) Failure to label specimen with patient name, date of birth and precise identifier
(v) Failure to fill in a consultation-request form, in particular clinical information and doctor to be notified of findings.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrian.turner@kch.nhs.uk. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Dr. Dazhuang Shang, Principal Clinical Scientist/Service manager T 020 3299 3732 or x2239
References
http://referrals.kch.nhs.uk/directory/liver/liver-pathology/hepatitis-testing-hts/
