Test Overview
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Measures the HCV viral load present at the time of specimen collection. Used as an aid to establish the pretreatment viral load in patients with documented, active hepatitis C infection and to monitor response to treatment.
Not Detected (<12 IU/mL HCV RNA).
A single assay result should not be used as the only criteria to form a clinical conclusion. Results should be correlated with serologic test results, patient symptoms and clinical presentation.
Test Details
8 hours
- HCV RNA
- HCV RNA by PCR, Quantitative
- HCV RNA Quantitative by PCR
- HCV Viral load
- Hepatitis C Viral Load
- Hepatitis C Viral RNA, Quantitative Assay
- Viral Load, Hepatitis C
- QHCV
- PCRHCV
- HCV QUANTITATION, PCR
- HEPATITIS C VIRUS BY PCR, QUAL
- HCV RIBA Replacement Assay
Specimen Requirements
Collect specimen in a red top, or SST or lavender tube. Centrifuge for 20 minutes at 800-1600 xg at room temperature, aliquot EDTA plasma or serum into a polypropylene plastic vial. Refrigeration is preferred. If storing at room temperature, centrifuge within 4 hours of collection. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Do not allow frozen specimens to thaw at any time during storage or transport. Specimens submitted in polystyrene tubes are not acceptable. Specimens sent for Microbiology molecular testing require a dedicated sample and cannot be shared with other laboratories.
Additional Information
If the result is greater than 8.0 log10 IU/mL, a dilution of the sample will be run to determine an exact quantification. For MLabs, please contact client service center if actual viral load is needed. Specimen will be held for 1 month.