Anti- HCV (ab) with Reflex to Viral Load

Brief Description

The Anti-HCV assay is a chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) for the qualitative detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in human adult serum.

The Abbott Real–Time HCV assay is an in vitro reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for the quantification of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in human serum from HCV infected individuals.

Laboratory Unit

Immunology

Methodology

  • Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA)
  • RT-PCR

Specimen Collection

Serum:

Collect in gold top SST tube, centrifuge

Collect in tiger top SST tube, centrifuge

Storage/Transport

Serum separated from the clot can be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C) during transit for no more than 72 hours after collection.  Serum separated from the clot can be aliquoted, stored frozen (-20°C or colder) for up to 60 days or -70°C or colder after 60 days and shipped with dry ice.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Serum

Test Request

Possible Results

  • CLIA:
    • Reactive
    • Nonreactive
    • Equivocal
    • Unsatisfactory
  • RT-PCR:
    • HCV RNA copies/ml
    • Not detected
    • Unsatisfactory

Reference Range

  • Nonreactive: CLIA
  • Not detected: RT-PCR

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Missing testing requisition
  • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
  • Improper labeling
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen
  • No specimen received (empty collection tube).
  • Wrong specimen type
  • Low volume, QNS
  • Not approved for testing by the indicated method
  • Grossly hemolyzed, lipemic, turbid, or contaminated
  • Specimen broken, damaged, or leaking upon arrival
  • Specimen received unspun
  • Specimens left at ambient temperature
  • Specimens not frozen within 72 hours
  • Specimens not collected in SST tubes for viral load testing 

Interfering Substances

  • CLIA:
    • Fibrin, red blood cells, and other particulate matter
  • RT-PCR:
    • Lipemic, Hemolyzed, Icteric, Microbial growth, or contaminated specimens

Result Reported

  • 5-7 business days (Ab)
  • 7-14 business – (Viral Load)

Fees

No Charge

LOINC/Order Codes

75886-2 (Order code: 1480)